Don't expect too much – individually -- from Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in 2005. Yes, he did win Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2004, as he took over a Pittsburgh team from the injured Tommy Maddox.

In 2004, Roethlisberger went 15-1, including playoffs, which took them all the way to the AFC Championship game against New England with home field advantage (they eventually lost 41-27). He brought charisma and an uncanny ability to make the big play to Pittsburgh.

In his first season in Steele town, he played the part of a seasoned veteran at the ripe old age of 23. Who would have thought the former MAC Player of the Year would make such a huge impact in his rookie season.

To say the least, Roethlisberger overachieved in his first season. Now, coming into his first training camp as the number one guy, the question remains -- can he repeat his 2004 performance?

Right now, it doesn't look promising. For starters, his two best weapons – Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward -- are not in camp.

Burress, a former first-round draft pick and his favorite target last year, signed with the New York Giants for more years and money in the offseason, while. Hines, a Pro-Bowler and one of the most underrated players in the league, has held out of camp. He's looking for a contract extension that resembles the other elite receivers in the league, such as the Colt's Marvin Harrison and Eagle's Terrell Owens. Ward feels his numbers match up with theirs and should be paid like them. It's hard to blame him. Even if Ward is signed in the next couple weeks, he will have missed more than 1/2 of training camp and lots of reps.

Jerome Bettis' engine got a full tune up over the offseason and is ready to go for one more season. However, Bettis is not getting any younger, has bad knees, and his lighting to his thunder -- Duce Staley -- is out 1 - 2 months. All of this leaves Big Ben to pick up the slack and carry the offense, which is a lot of pressure to put on a young quarterback. But, hey, no one thought Big Ben could accomplish what he did last year.

Steelers fans should be excited about Big Ben though. Throughout the summer, Roethlisberger was picking the brains of Hall of Fame quarterbacks Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. He feels he will have better command of the offense in Year 2.

Also, the Steelers offense will be more balanced than last year to keep defenses honest. Last year, Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhurst only opened up about 60- 65% of the Steelers playbook for Roethlisberger. This year, Big Ben will be working with about 90 -95% of the offensive playbook.

So far in camp, Roethlisberger has thrown crisp balls with lots of velocity and looks much more comfortable in his second season. The team's first round pick, Heath Miller of Virginia, will add another dimension to the Steelers offense as the number one tight end. His soft hands and precise route running will open up the offense for Roethlisberger and Bettis.

As long as the Bus keeps rolling, Staley comes back fully healthy, Ward is signed before the season, and the defense holds its end of the bargain, Roethlisberger will be fine. But, don't ignore the fact that’s a lot of question marks for a team that was one win away from going to the Super Bowl.

Expect some early struggles from Roethlisberger early in the season as Ward gets into shape and gets into game speed and Staley gets back healthy. In the meantime, the defense will keep the Steelers in games. Towards the middle of the season, Roehtlisberger will turn the team around and start leading this team to the playoffs.

The Steelers window of opportunity is closing with so many aging veterans. With New England taking a step backwards with some key defections this year, there is no better opportunity to reach the Super Bowl than 2005.

It’s time for Roethlisberger to take the next step to capture something his sports heroes and summer tutors never won.