[pete_b]

What do you guys think the Steelers will do next year minus Bettis? Perhaps they wouldn't have gone as far even if they did have him because the thrill of winning a Super Bowl is gone but Im wondering what you guys think. Was Bettis the heart of the team or just a cog in the wheel? Is Bettis leaving a devasting blow to the solid and big and strong Steelers? Or is Bettis easily replaced. I gots to know.

[BigBadBuc]

Pete,

I think that the heart of the team was three players. Jerome Bettis was the patriarch. Hines Ward is the heart of the offense and Joey Porter is the heart of the defense. The team gave the patriarch his wish. Duce needs to earn some of that kind of respect from the team as the senior runner. He will never be Jerome but he handled not being used much this year with great class. Rooney's love that kind of guy. A healthy Duce could really help next year. The Steelers will be fine.

BBB

[wvuauthor]

Does anybody else feel that Porter is slightly overrated? Or do I just feel this way because I cannot stand how he never shuts his mouth?!