There have been some stars since 2000.
This will be a multi-part story going over the best Pittsburgh Steelers team based on their play this quarter century so far.
Please feel free to comment on anyone you think I have forgotten about or disagree with, either here on over at @JoinTheHuddleUK.
Quarterback – Ben Roethlisberger
He began his career winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and became only the second rookie quarterback to reach a championship game.
He went on to evolve from a game manager to an elite quarterback over the years, winning Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
Roethlisberger finished as a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL passing leader, fifth in career passing yards and completions upon his retirement and eighth in touchdown passes.
It will be interesting to see if he gets into the Hall of Fame but I think he should and is undoubtedly the obvious choice for this exercise.
Running Back – Le’Veon Bell
This may be a controversial choice as it means leaving out Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker, among others.
If this was down to careers then no doubt it would be the bus here, but by the turn of the century he was on the decline but still had two great seasons.
Bell delivered over 1,200 scrimmage yards in every year he played at least 12 games and had a 2,000 scrimmage yard season in among this as well.
One of the best receiving backs in modern NFL history and was among the best in the NFL while a Steeler – as his first team All Pro and two second team All Pros will attest to.
Offensive-Line – Alejandro Villanueava, Alan Faneca, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Marcus Gilbert
Faneca is an eight-time All Pro and Super Bowl champion who will be unlucky not to go into the Hall of Fame at some point.
Pouncey, a first-round pick, was a five-time All Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler and again will get Hall of Fame consideration.
Decastro, another first round pick, was a three-time All Pro and five-time Pro Bowler and was one of the very best guards in the NFL for his career.
There is a bit of a drop off from a historical greatness standpoint now when looking at the tackle positions.
Gilbert at right tackle was an above-average-to-good tackle in the league for the length of his career. Standing out as a pass blocker more than in the run game, but this suited Pittsburgh’s pass heavy offense at the time.
Villanueva takes the left tackle spot, a two-time Pro Bowler who at his peak was one of the top pass blockers in the NFL.
Max Starks and Chris Kemoeatu were considered but I feel this is the best line possible.
