50-YARD LINE

     Now that the dust has cleared from this weekend's bombshell that the Steelers and Dick LeBeau have parted ways, it's time for Mrs. Black-N-Gold to look at what the Steelers need to concentrate on in the offseason to help them get that ever-elusive 7th Lombardi Trophy.

1)Most definitely find a new Defensive Coordinator. As Mrs. Black-N-Gold went to press there was no announcement for Dick LeBeau's replacement. It's expected that LB coach Keith Butler is the frontrunner. Which makes it all the more interesting that no statement hasn't yet to be made. Hmmm.

2)Sign QB Ben Roethlisberger to an extension. The Steelers didn't ink Ben to a new deal this past season with 2 years left on his current contract, as is usually the custom with the Steelers and their QBs. The implication was that they'd take care of Ben this offseason. Well, Ben went out and set new team records, made the Pro Bowl and became the first Steelers QB to lead the league (co-lead with Drew Brees) in passing yardage. The ball is now in the Steelers court.

3)Say goodbye to more old friends. No matter how much it pains us, it's time to let DE Brett Keisel, CB Ike Taylor, LB James Harrison and S Troy Polamalu ride off into the sunset. It was a good run but now they're done. You can't move forward if you keep holding onto the past. The Steelers cut the cord on Coach LeBeau, it's time to do the same with these gentlemen.

4)Find a backup for RB Le'Veon Bell. I think this point was made during the wildcard loss to the Baltimorons, don't you? Who knows, Josh Harris may be that backup but the Steelers are going to have to give Harris an opportunity to earn that role by not giving Bell each and every carry. They may also want to consider building some running back depth through the draft.

5)Fix the defense. There continues to be a complete lack of depth on the defensive side of the ball, especially at outside linebacker and in the secondary. Retaining LB Jason Worilds and giving CB Cortez Allen won't patch all the holes on this defense. Go big for defense in the draft.

6)It's time to find the next Heath Miller. Here's another grizzled veteran who is on the wrong side of his career. We may still get another year or two out of Heeeath but it's time to start grooming his replacement.

7)Find someone else to return punts. Having your best wide receiver, Antonio Brown, back to field punts is a very dangerous game, Mike Tomlin. If he goes down, you're not only out a return man, you're also out the best receiver in the NFL. Get someone else back there.

     The Steelers breathed new life after returning to the postseason this year. They need to continue moving upward by getting some more young blood pumping through their veins and getting them acclimated. The sooner they do so, the better. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!