The Pittsburgh Steelers were one step below the elite AFC teams in 2007, finishing with a 10-6 record and champions of the AFC North. The Steelers were bounced out of the first round of the playoffs losing to Jacksonville at home. Head coach Mike Tomlin won two more games in his first season as the Steelers head coach than Bill Cowher in his final year. The Steelers will be challenged by the chic preseason pick to win the division, Cleveland, but have the tools to once again rule the roost. The offense is led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league and was one of the best on third downs last year, while the 3-4 defense remains as stingy as ever.

A LOOK AT THE STEELERS OFFENSE:

Let's play a little word association. If you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, you probably still think of a punishing running game that is centered by a dominant offensive line.

Those days are over.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger bounced back from a poor 2006 season to throw for over 3,100 yards, 32 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. Roethlisberger is able to make plays on the run, which is imperative because there is a lot of shuffling along the offensive line. Left tackle Marvel Smith had a back issue that prematurely ended his 2007 season and has lingered thus far in training camp. Chris Kemoeatu replaces seven-time Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, who left to become the highest-paid free agent in New York Jets' history. However, Kemoeatu spent the first week of training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list with an elbow injury. Sean Mahan and former Panther Justin Hartwig are battling for the starting center job.

QB Ben Roethlisberger

The Steelers are looking for Santonio Holmes to be their big-play target. Right now, Hines Ward, the former Super Bowl MVP, remains the No. 1 wideout. Ward is a physical receiver who uses his smarts to make up for not being a superstar athlete. Roethlisberger wanted a big receiver to have in the red zone this season and the Steelers obliged with their second-round pick, Limas Sweed from Texas

At tight end, Heath Miller has emerged as one of the best pass catching tight ends in the conference, while Matt Spaeth is a 270-pound bowling ball of a blocker.

A LOOK AT THE STEELERS DEFENSE:
 
This is hardly the same unit that carried Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl victory during the 2005 season. There's still a lot of talent, but a lot more question marks than there were just a few seasons ago.

The Steelers' 3-4 defense still goes through strong safety Troy Polamalu, who's one of the best at his position in the NFL. The large-coiffed Pro Bowl selection is a ballhawk, with 10 interceptions and seven forced fumbles in his five-year career. Additionally, he's not afraid to get involved in the run game and lay down some big hits. Still, it's a mystery as to how he will recover from the nagging knee injury that kept him out of five games in 2007.

LB James Harrison

Cornerback Ike Taylor could be a top man defender, but the 3-4 defense isn't exactly a perfect fit – it calls for a lot of zone. And yeah, Deshea Townsend is still around, but is nursing a groin injury of his own.

Two guys to watch also come from the linebacker spot – second-year pros LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons. As a rookie, Woodley registered four sacks in limited action. His promise might be greater than Timmons', who disappointed – 13 tackles and no sacks – after being selected in the first round. Their progress could be the key to this unit being good or strictly average.

A LOOK AT THE STEELERS SPECIAL TEAMS:

The Steelers were dealt a severe blow to their special teams unit when punter Daniel Sepulveda, a fourth-round pick in 2007, tore the ACL in his right knee during the first training camp practice. The Steelers claimed fourth-year punter Paul Ernster off waivers from the Detroit Lions. Jeff Reed is coming off an impressive season where he missed only two field goals and 10 of his kickoffs went for touchbacks. During training camp, the Steelers signed veteran returner Eddie Drummond to a one-year deal. The six-year vet has returned two kickoffs for a touchdown during his career.

EAGLES PLAYERS TO WATCH:

RB Lorenzo Booker:
Booker, acquired for a fourth-round pick on draft day from Miami, has been somewhat of a training-camp darling for the Eagles. He's being used in many of the ways the team utilizes Brian Westbrook. He's lined up as a lone setback, out wide, in the slot or even as part of a two-back set with Westbrook. The idea is to take some of the load off of Westbrook, while creating mismatches for the defense. Also look for Booker on kickoff returns.

WR DeSean Jackson:
There's no secret behind why the Eagles drafted Jackson with their second pick. Not only is he a sure-handed return man, but he's also the dynamite playmaker they lacked all last season. Not only is he a home-run threat, his presence should automatically mean better field position for the offense. Special teams coordinator Rory Segrest said Jackson has a natural punt-return ability that makes him stick out from other options. The big question with Jackson: what, exactly, will his role be on the offensive side of the ball?

LB Stewart Bradley:
Bradley will start at middle linebacker for the Eagles this season, which will make him their fourth different opening-day starting middle linebacker in five seasons. The Eagles hope now that the second-year pro can bring a consistency to the position that they've lacked. He's smart, big and athletic, all essential traits for an NFL MIKE. Additionally, he'll be entrusted with calling out the defensive signals, as he will wear the primary radio headset allowed with a new NFL rule this season.

- JOE DOLAN and CHRIS McPHERSON