HALFTIME

We're at the half way point of the NFL season. Time to look at your Pittsburgh Steelers through 8 games.

Offense-Ben Roeghlisberger is quietly putting together one of his finest seasons. He's also being mentioned in the MVP conversation, rightfully so. Ben is 5th overall with a 101.1 passer rating, has thrown 16 touchdowns against only 4 picks. So far, the Ben-Todd Haley experiment seems to be working. The Steelers are 10th in the league with 262.4 passing yards per game. Although the run game started slow, it has really picked up of late thanks to a punishing offensive line. The Steelers have moved up to 21st in the league with 104.9 yards per game. The injury bug hasn't kept the running backs down as there's always someone ready to step in and step up. The offense still seems to have problems sometimes getting bogged down and settling for field goals. The good news is that the receivers are working their way through the case of the dropsies that they had earlier in the season. Heath Miller is having a Pro Bowl season, leading the team with 6 touchdowns. Things are looking up, offensively. Barring any major injuries, the offense looks like it's only just begun to scratch the surface of what they can do.

Defense-This unit certainly didn't start out on the right foot this season. They carried an alarming trend of giving up 4th quarter leads into this campaign. The fact that they only have 4 interceptions and 14 sacks hasn't helped matters. But, they are ranked number overall against the pass, giving up just 174 yards per game. The rushing defense is 7th in the league with 88.6 yards per game. The defense has been decimated by injuries but have players that are starting to come into their own and help out on D, Keenan Lewis, Will Allen, Cortez Allen. Ike Taylor is starting to get his swag on and Ryan Clark and Larry Foote have really stepped up their games this season to help replace players who are either injured (Troy, Harrison, Woodley) or have moved on (Farrior, Smith). The Giants game was a real shot in the arm to boost the D's confidence and keep them moving in the right direction.

Special Teams-Special teams could be extra special if they'd lay off the penalties so guys like Rainey, Brown and now Sanders could break a few off. Until they get that straightened out, we'll have to merely sit and wander what could have been. Shaun Suisham is putting together a solid season, making 17 of 18 field goal attempts. We'll need his leg as the season goes on and the weather gets colder.

Disappointments-This "award" goes to the outside linebacker tandem of Harrison and Woodley. True, they've both been working through injuries this year. However, Harrison has been virtually invisible. That means teams can concentrate on double-teaming Woodley. True, he is tied for the team lead with 3 sacks. But really, 3 sacks? He's only on a pace for 6, at that rate. In the 3-4 defense, it's the outside linebackers' job to put pressure on the quarterback and bring him down, creating sacks and turnovers. Hopefully, these 2 can get healthy and get after it!

Looking at the last 8 games, the Steelers only play 2 against a team with a winning record, the Baltimorons, twice. If they can keep their heads together, not play down to the level of competition, and sweep their division, they have a clear road to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. The second half starts tomorrow night when all eyes will be watching Monday Night Football from the Big Ketchup Bottle. Go out and start the second half off right. Go Steelers!!!!!!