Last season was a dream for Bill Cowher, the Pittsburgh Steelers and all the fans in Steel City. Because in 2005, the Steelers finally won one by thumb.

Led by a sophomore quarterback, the Steelers became the first team to win three playoff games on the road and the first sixth-seeded Wild Card team to capture a Super Bowl. It was the fifth Super Bowl championship in team history, putting Pittsburgh in a tie with Dallas and San Francisco.

But that’s the recent past. Now a new season is dawning and the question on the minds of football fans everywhere is, can the Steelers repeat 2006?

Offense: Of course, the big concern is with Ben Roethlisberger and how he’s recovering from a motorcycle accident in June that broke his jaw and caused numerous facial injuries.

He won’t be available for training camp and will likely miss the start of the regular season. Will you be short on time, conditioning and strength when you’re finally ready to play? The answer to that question will determine how well Pittsburgh does in 2006.

After leading the team to the championship game in 2005, Roethlisberger did better last year, becoming the second player in NFL history to win a Super Bowl as a sophomore (the other was Kurt Warner for the Rams in 1999). The key to his success is that he plays within offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt’s scheme and makes few mistakes. If he can’t go start the season, he’ll start veteran Charlie Batch.

The running game is solid, but ‘The Bus’ will be missed. Jerome Bettis retired after 13 seasons and will soon be bringing his 13,662 yards and 94 touchdowns to Canton. His leadership and motivation skills were a big part of Pittsburgh’s success. Undrafted free agent Willie Parker surprised everyone last season by winning the training camp job and rushing for 1,202 yards and four touchdowns. Duce Staley and Verron Haynes are capable substitutes. Dan Kreider is a lightning-fast blocker at fullback.

Hines Ward (69-975-11) returns after another solid season, but Antwaan Randle-El left via free agency and that created a huge hole for the Steelers to fill. He was not only a solid number two receiver, but he was also lethal on special teams. Cedrick Wilson (26-487), Quincy Morgan and top draft pick Santonio Holmes (if he can stay out of trouble) will battle for the number two spot. No matter who wins the job, Ward had better be ready for a lot of double-teaming this season.

Heath Miller had an excellent rookie year as a tight end, with 39 receptions for 459 yards and six touchdowns. He is a real weapon and will only get better with more experience. Jerame Tuman is a capable backup.

The starting line is one of the best in football and returns the starting five for 2006. Center Jeff Hartings and guard Alan Faneca, both All-Pro players, anchor the offensive line. Guard Kendall Simmons and tackles Marvel Smith and Max Starks make up the rest of the starting unit. Barrett Brooks, Trai Essex and Chris Kemoeatu are solid reserves.

Defense: The real strength of the Pittsburgh Steelers is on the defensive end and that should be the case once again. Nine starters return from a unit that allowed just 16 points per game and finished fourth in the NFL in total defense.

Casey Hampton runs the nose and is a career filler riot at nose tackle. Aaron Smith is in one defensive end position, while Travis Kirschke replaces the missing Kimo Von Oelhoffen at the other end position. Rookie Orien Harris, Brett Keisel, Chris Hoke and Rodney Bailey will also have time.

The Steelers arguably have the best linebackers in the NFL and they will once again be counted on to lead the defense. All-Pro Joey Porter (57 tackles, 11 sacks) and Clark Haggans (61 tackles, 9 sacks) are a force on the outside, while James Farrior (121 tackles) and Larry Foote (101 tackles) are just as disruptive on the inside . James Harrison, Clint Kriewaldt and Rian Wallace add depth.

When you talk about Pittsburgh High School, one name jumps out. That name is Troy Polamalu. The hard-hitting, long-haired puncher is quickly becoming the most dominant safety in the league. He’s a Ronnie Lot guy with an engine that never stops. Free agent Ryan Clark (57 tackles, three picks) fills the free safety spot. Mike Logan, Tyrone Carter and rookie Anthony Smith will also see action.

Chris Hope brought his 97 tackles and three interceptions to the Tennessee Titans, but the Steelers still have Ike Taylor (84 tackles), Deshea Townsend, Bryant McFadden and Ricardo Colclough at cornerback. Taylor and Townsend are the most likely starters.

Special teams: The Steelers’ special teams suffered a setback with the departure of Randle-El, but one area that is strong is the kicking game. Jeff Reed (117 points, 24-29 field goals and 37-37 extra points) and Chris Gardocki (41.8 average) return. Morgan (25.3) and Colclough (21.5) are the kick returners and Taylor is the likely candidate to replace Randle-El.

Outlook: It all depends on Ben Roethlisberger’s health and recovery time. If he comes back full force from him without any negative effects, the Steelers have all the pieces in place for another Super Bowl run. A solid running game, a powerful offensive line and a great defense are the cornerstones of championship teams, and Pittsburgh has all three in spades. However, this team is not as good as in recent years. Bettis, Randle-El, Von Oelhoffen and Hope are big losses, but the Steelers have the experience, talent and coaching staff to overcome losses.

Prediction: A healthy Roethlisberger means the Steelers will be in contention for the AFC crown and Super Bowl. Look them up to go deep into the playoffs. Pittsburgh will go 11-5 or 12-4, if and only if Big Ben can bounce back.