The rash of injuries the Steelers have endured during the first few days of training camp has coincided with the troublesome theme of their offseason.
↵But today, Pittsburgh catches a small break: Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux has been suspended for one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
↵Babineaux led Atlanta in 2009 with a measly six sacks. This is a unit that -- with once-great defensive end John Abraham continuing to decline -- has trouble getting to the quarterback. And although they acquired cornerback Dunta Robinson in the offseason, the Falcons ranked 28th in the league against the pass last year.
↵This all adds up to a big game for Pittsburgh's aerial attack and a greater chance for the Steelers to start the season off on the right foot, despite the temporary absence of Ben Roethlisberger.
↵In my game-by-game preview of the Steelers' 2010 season, I gave the Black & Gold a 60 percent chance to win against the up-and-coming Falcons. With Babineaux out, let's knock that up to 65, shall we?
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