Steelers 2009 Schedule Can’t Help But Be Easier Than 08

It may be early, but it’s never too early to start talking about the 2009 season and some of the teams and players that the Steelers will see as they get ready to defend their Super Bowl crown. Below are the teams we’ll see in 09:

Home:

Baltimore Ravens – Some say this should be the Thursday night opener, and while that would be great, my guess is they will save this matchup for a Sunday or Monday night.

Cincinnati Bengals – Usually an automatic win, but the Bengals seem to think they will be better in 09, but they are nowhere near the level of the Steelers right now.

Cleveland Browns – A simply awful team right now, the Browns didn’t score an offensive TD in their last 6 games of 2008, and show no signs of putting up much of a fight when they get to Heinz in 2009.

Oakland Raiders – The Steelers and Raiders had a bitter rivalry back in the 70’s, but those days are long gone and the Raiders are simply not close to the class of the Steelers. Oakland is trying to build with youngsters JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden and others, but the Steelers should have a cake walk at home here.

San Diego Chargers – Two meetings in 2008 should make for an interesting 09 matchup. Another game that could be the seasons lid lifter, the Chargers feel they can again make a Super Bowl run in 09, while the Steelers will look to defend home turf.

Tennessee Titans – The return of Nate Washington to Heinz Field, and the Titans come in after laying a beating on the Steelers in December in Tennessee. Pittsburgh will think revenge, and also likely have a chip on their shoulders after seeing the footage over and over of the Titans stomping on the Terrible Towels.

Green Bay Packers – An NFC North team we don’t usually see comes to Heinz for the first time. Aaron Rodgers is an up and coming QB, but the team is undergoing somewhat of a makeover without Brett Favre, and the Pack should be for an easy win by the Black and Gold.

Minnesota Vikings – A team sort of like the Steelers, in that they have a good defense, a solid run game, but a big difference is they have no QB. The Steelers probably will have to win the game through the air on this day, and Big Ben will want to watch out for Jared Allen. Adrian Peterson is as good as they come, and the Steelers run D will have a stiff test against him.

Away:

Baltimore Ravens – The Steelers broke their losing streak in B-More last year on a late Santonio Holmes TD, but there’s no doubt the Ravens will have their chin straps tight when the Steelers come back for the rematch.

Cincinnati Bengals – Paul Brown Stadium is usually clad in Black and Gold when the Steelers come to town, and that should be the same way in 2009. Pittsburgh has never lost there, and as stated above I can’t see that changing in 09.

Cleveland Browns – Another home away from home for the Steelers, the Browns are also getting a make-over, and with Brady Quinn and a number of Jets littering the roster, the Steelers will have their usual field day vs the sorry Brownies.

Denver Broncos – Always a tough game up in Mile High, the Broncos have a new coach in Josh McDaniels, and they have a solid 1-2 punch with Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. With that though, Cutler wants out and the defense stinks, so this is a winnable game.

Kansas City Chiefs – A totally different team from a season ago that went 2-14, they have Matt Cassel running the offense, and should be a lot better. But not THAT much better to where the Steelers can’t invade Arrowhead and walk out with a win.

Miami Dolphins – Could be a steam bath depending on when this game is. The Fins went from 1-15 to 11-5, and seem to be getting better with a veteran QB in Chad Pennington and a defense that has former Steeler Joey Porter running the show. Will be a fun game to watch.

Chicago Bears – Matt Forte is a solid RB, Kyle Orton’s an average QB, and the defense is middle of the pack. Chicago is a tough venue to win at, but others have done it, and this likely will be another place chock full of Steelers fans trying to get their team to a win.

Detroit Lions – Thanksgiving in Detroit anyone? Could be, and what fun that would be. The Steelers have not played a regular season game at the new Ford Field, but if the Lions are as bad or close to as bad as a season ago, their first trip to the dome in Detroit will be a fun one.2