The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten off to a much better start than most anyone would have thought, opening the season with a 3-1 record, tied for the division lead in the AFC North. They have gone 3-1 without their 6-5 245lb quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Most anyone would have thought this impossible, with most analysts believing and fans hoping, at most for a 2-2 start, expecting a likely 1-3 start. So to open with 3 wins early was doubtful.

They have beaten the up and coming Atlanta Falcons, 15-9, by controlling the running game of Michael Turner. Then they took on the Tennessee Titans, 19-11, completely dominating the relentless RB Chris Johnson, holding him to only 34 measly rushing yards. Then crushing the red hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 38-13, behind Rashard Mendenhall’s 143 yards on the ground.

On Oct 3rd, they ran into a preseason darling, the Baltimore Ravens, and lost, 17-14. Although played at Heinz Field, I don’t think this loss does much to the Steelers as a whole. They were playing with 36 year old Charlie Batch at the QB position, Mendenhall still ran for 2 TDs, and only lost by 3 points on a Joe Flacco game winning drive late in the 4th. If I am a Ravens fan, I’m pleased to get the essential divisional win, but, it does show, that the Ravens still need some tweaking to be the team many thought they would be, including myself. For Steelers fans, you were in the entire game against a heavy favorite, and almost went 4-0.

Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch both played relatively well in their replacement period. What matters most, is they played adequately and got the wins. The Steelers defense has been excellent during this period, totally picking up for what the team lacked in offense on the field. Discounting the 38 pts they put up vs the Bucs, the Steelers were only good for about 16 ppg. With Pittsburgh giving up an average of 62 yards on the ground in the first 4 games of the season, as well as consistently taking the ball away from opposing teams.

Now, when Ben comes back, the team will of course need a slight adjustment period, which I don’t think will take too long. And the Steelers will be in great shape. Mendenhall will continue with his hammering running style, and now they will get the passing attack back that so many Steelers fans have gotten used to with Roethlisberger behind center.

Pittsburgh’s approaching schedule looks very challenging. After the bye week, they play Cleveland, at Miami, at New Orleans and then at Cincinnati. 2 divisional games and 3 of their next 4 are on the road. Steeler’s fans better hope Ben gets back into the groove quickly, or they can swiftly fall out of the race. The bye week gives Ben and the Steelers the added time to get back on pace with once another, and continue to fight for the AFC North title.

Personally, I picked the Ravens to win the division, but I also didn’t see the Steelers starting the season off at 3-1. It certainly makes interesting drama during the NFL season yet again. The Steelers have gotten through a very tough period in their schedule, without their #1 QB, and now they will have him back. One would think it can only get better from here for Steeler Nation. Written by Tony Karpinski from VegasTopDogs.