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As far as Mike Tomlin is concerned, the 2008 season is in the books. Going forward, there will be no discussion of "repeats" because come free agency and the draft, "it's [all] brand new." There are sure to be changes to the Steelers' roster before training camp, and in that sense, it will be a new a team.
Seven players (five starters) are potential free agents, but unlike last season, when the Steelers had the toughest schedule of any team in a quarter-century, the 2009 version should be a tad less taxing. At least from the perspective of February. Obviously, a lot can change between now and the fall, but for the time being, Pittsburgh looks to have a relatively easy go of it. Particularly in comparison to AFC North nemesis, Baltimore.
The Steelers' schedule hasn't yet been set, but the opponents include: six games against division foes -- the Ravens, Bengals and Browns -- the entire AFC West, the entire NFC North, as well as the Dolphins and Titans. Those teams racked up a 71-116 record in '08, which works out to a .380 winning percentage. (By comparison, Miami has the league's toughest schedule; opponents amassed a .594 winning percentage.)
The Ravens, one of the biggest surprises of last season, will also face the AFC West and NFC North. And finishing second in the AFC North behind the Steelers means they will have to play the Patriots and the Colts, the two second-place teams from the AFC East and AFC South.
On paper, the scheduling process makes perfect sense, but in reality, there's a very good chance that New England and Indy will win their divisions. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will, in all likelihood, be completely healthy, which wasn't the case early last season. Vegas agrees -- the Pats are already favorites to win it all. Put differently: if you thought the Ravens had a brutal path to the playoffs in '08, just wait. And this time, they'll have to do it without Rex Ryan and, possibly, the heart of their defense.
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