better

I think everyone is going to be surprised that the Steeler's will be able to hold their own without Big Ben. They won't win every game but, I don't think they'll be that bad either. Everyone is forgetting that this team was never just about offense; it's defense was what helped all those super bowl wins. As long as Troy Polamalu can stay healthy, I think they'll be okay without Big Ben for a couple games.

The Steelers will go through some growing pains I'm sure but I don't think they will allow lesser teams to beat them like they did last season.
And THAT alone really excites me about the upcoming season (to see how they respond to the offseason adjustments)

I would brush up on the 'smack' talk a bit if I were you though. It could be a little better than that.At least I would HOPE so.

worse they didnt make the playoffs last year with big ben the whole season and now hes out the first 6 games

i like the steelers (but i should point out that i am a die hard bears fan) , but the loss of holmes (traded to the jets) big ben out for 6 games (suspension) and there is a chance mendenhall could hit the proverbial sophmore wall (he did benefit from big bens presence as QB) that the steelers could end up 6-10 , but am hoping for more like a 10-6 record