Steelers find themselves at a fork in their NFL road

By Ed Bouchette / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers arrive Friday at Saint Vincent College, where they will reach a fork in the road. As Yogi Berra might advise, they will take it.

Their 8-8 record in 2012, followed by more roster upheaval, provoked a seemingly equal split of opinions on where this football team is headed: Further down as it pays the price for keeping a championship team together for so long without an infusion of top young talent? Or, was last season merely a speed bump for a franchise that has shown it knows how to compete for playoffs and Super Bowls annually.

There are historical records to boost both points, starting with the demise of the great 1970s teams that took them until the 1990s to straighten out. There also was their successful run after a hideous 6-10 season in 2003 -- they followed with the first 15-1 record in AFC history in 2004 and then won two Super Bowls in the next four years.

All that, as Mike Tomlin would say, is in the rear-view mirror. So, too, are what Tomlin declared good spring workouts for his team.

"Legitimately, you'd like to find ways to measure offseasons and feel good about it," Tomlin said as he closed minicamp in June. "But the reality is these types of processes are measured based on results. So, our offseason, our training camp and our preseason ultimately will be measured on how we perform. I think it's important that the guys understand that."

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Training camp will be interesting to say the least. The position battle I'm looking forward to the must is with Worilds and Jones. I think Jason will start, but I think Jarvis could eventually overtake him and be the starter. I also think the running back battle will be good too. I also think the offensive line will gel more and will be better at protecting Ben. I think things will be better this year than last.

When we get the running game cranking with Bell and if the Oline stays healthy it will open up some real possibilities in the air. We need a better pass rush and I think Jones can help there and I agree with Dude that Worilds gets the start with JJ coming on strong. Hood needs to step up and Heyward needs to make a jump. I see a lot more rotation on the Dline this year with the younger guys spelling Keisel. My thoughts for what they're worth.

I agree with what both of you said. Most people are down on the Steelers this year, but I think there's lots of reasons to be optimistic.