In recent seasons, the Steelers' offensive line has been a hot topic when the club has struggled. QB Ben Roethlisberger consistently ranks among the NFL's most-sacked passers, which leads to scrutiny of the group's ability to pass-protect. Moreover, the Steelers no longer have the potent power-running game they featured earlier in the decade, and the team has had problems converting in short-yardage situations. It will not be a surprise if the club brings in some new faces along the O-line in the offseason as well as opens up a few positions to more competition, with center and right guard particularly worth watching. Only one current starter, ORT Willie Colon, is slated to be a free agent. The Steelers would like to bring him back and will be able to tender him as a restricted free agent if 2010 is played without a salary cap. Colon has shown improvement in his fourth NFL season.
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