The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked most people by returning to the Super Bowl in 2010.
Despite quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's four-game suspension to start the year, the Steelers managed to finish the year 12-4.
Heading into 2011, the Steelers are looking to return to the Super Bowl and win their coveted seventh championship.
In order for that to happen, several key elements will need to fall into place.
Here are five keys surrounding another Steelers Super Bowl appearance:
Improve Pass Coverage
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was one of the best in the league in 2010.
However, if the Steelers' defense has one weakness, it lies at cornerback.
In 2011 that situation could potentially be worse. Ike Taylor and William Gay are both set to be free agents. Whether they are elite corners or not, losing two corners who earned substantial playing time last season will hurt an already maligned position.
If the Steelers wish to contend again, it would be in their best interest to make an upgrade through free agency—or hope rookie Curtis Brown is up to the challenge early in his career.
The Steelers' defense is excellent based on its pass rush and discipline. Imagine how much better it could be with improved coverage.
Better Protection Up Front
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line is probably the most criticized unit on the team.
The addition of center Maurkice Pouncey into the fold last season helped tremendously, but the unit as a whole still has work to do.
Protecting Ben Roethlisberger, along with opening holes for Rashard Mendenhall, is as important as anything for the Steelers to be successful.
The Steelers' offensive efficiency will ride on the big backs of the men up front in 2011.
Troy Polamalu's Health
Troy Polamalu is the life-blood of the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense. He is also prone to injuries.
Polamalu has had lingering injuries over the last four seasons, and the Steelers need that to change in 2011.
The Steelers' defense is at their best when Polamalu and his hair are flying around the field and making plays. He is one of the most complete defensive players in the entire league, and the Steelers sorely miss his playmaking ability when he is sidelined.
Polamalu's playing style along with his smaller stature lend themselves to injuries. That will need to change in 2011, or the Steelers may need to find a way to address his strong safety position for the future.
Maintain Unity in the Locker Room
James Harrison has made waves in the media yet again with this article in Men's Journal.
In the article, Harrison blasts not only NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but also teammates Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall.
Whether you think the football world is overreacting to these comments or not, that does not mean the Steelers' locker room will not be affected.
The Steelers will need to be focused all season. They do not need any distractions if they wish to make it back to the Super Bowl again this season. Harrison's comments, despite being taken out of context to an extent, could provide an unnecessary distraction.
Focus on the Ground Game
The Pittsburgh Steelers' faithful have Rashard Mendenhall's Super Bowl fumble lodged in their brains.
However, that should not cloud the fact that Mendenhall has emerged as one of the most dangerous running backs in the league.
He has the ability to break tackles in order to reach the secondary, and also has the speed to outrun those secondary players.
Mendenhall may have issues holding onto the ball sometimes, but that does not take away from his raw talent on the football field.
In the rounds leading up to the Super Bowl, Mendenhall seemed to take his running game to a new level.
The Steelers need to lean on him in 2011.
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