The time is now to pick up information on the Steelers.  With camp starting Sunday, some real news should be surfacing soon.  We need something to break through the Plaxico Burress wants a new contract, Brett Favre wants to play, Browns think they can win, balderdash that has dominated the football news.  Just a little Steeler news would be good.  Here's what I want to know now.

I want Rashard Mendenhall and Limus Sweed to get their names onto those contracts.  There can be no delay in getting them on the field and into the offense.  The Steelers have had a pretty effective offense that might have just been turned potent with these additions.  Mwelde Moore is part of the package too.  There are 16 tough games and depth is important.  In skill positions, the Steelers should be stronger. 

Of course, this all may be derailed by an ineffective offensive line.  You're going to get Ben Roethlisberger killed if you don't block.  He's been on the run for much of the last two years.  With Alan Faneca gone and some indecision on where the others will line up, the O line is a huge question mark. 

I think this could mean longer playing time for the starting unit in pre season games.  It's going to take some time for the line to work as one.  Decisions will have to be made early enough so that the players might have a chance to gel by opening day.

The defense was poor overall after Aaron Smith went down last year.  Stan Savran pointed to the injury of Ryan Clark in the secondary as another issue last year.  One should also note how ineffective Troy Polamalu was.  That is likely attributable to injury trouble.  Clark Haggans is gone at linebacker.  So, where does it all go from here? 

The Giants showed how important a pass rush is in today's NFL.  You just can't cover well enough if the opposition line blocks and the quarterback has time to pick you apart.  With Lamar Woodley ready to step into a starting role, and a renewed effort to get Lawrence Timmons into the lineup, linebacker shouldn't be hurt by Haggans absence. 

But they must pressure the quarterback in some way.  The Steelers pass rush has always been more effective when they've had a dedicated pass rushing lineman or linebacker.  Usually it's been a young guy who hasn't yet gotten fully indoctrinated into the system.  He's been effective because he hasn't really played within the system, more of a freelancer.

Special teams have been bad for so long, I can't remember the last time they were good.  Actually, I do remember Antwaan Randle El, but they've really never done great on the defensive side of special teams.  I think that starts with the kicker. 

Dan Sepulveda was erratic in his first season with the Steelers.  He'd hit that big one, but when they needed the boomer most, he didn't have it.  And Jeff Reed's kickoffs are low and short.  Returnable in other words. 

Given the strength of the Steeler schedule, you've got to wonder just how many wins this team is going to be able to get.  They could have a great year and go 9-7.  There is truly no room for error.  With as much question about who will be on the field and where, Pittsburgh has their work cut out for themselves in training camp.