Center Maurkice Pouncey didn't like the feeling he had last year after the Steelers finished the season 8-8, and this year, has just one goal in mind.
"To win the Super Bowl," said Pouncey as he arrived for the first day of Steelers' training camp. "That is it."
Pouncey feels confident the team has the talent to get the job done, and he also knows the drive is there.
"Most definitely," said Pouncey. "Not making the playoffs is not acceptable here and everybody knows that. It's a terrible feeling. I don't think anybody here appreciates that.
"It's exciting this year. We are going to see how things turn out, hopefully better than last year."
In his fourth season Pouncey is the new leader on the offensive line, and showed that when he reiterated his apology for wearing a "Free Hernandez" hat, in reference to former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez who is now jailed as part of a murder investigation. Pouncey, who went to the University of Florida with Hernandez, said he is ready to put it behind him and just focus on football.
"I think the (leadership) torch has been passed to me and we will see how things turn out," said Pouncey."I feel like an older guy now. I am just here to work like everyone else. Everybody is here putting their hand in the pile with one goal in mind.
"I am excited about all of the guys. I think everybody has been working hard this offseason and putting in the effort and work to go out and win championships. That is what we are here for. I think the core group of guys we have can do that."
One of the keys for the offensive line, which saw numerous combinations last year because of injuries, is staying healthy. Pouncey feels hard work and preparation will help that.
"Injuries come when you don't really take everything so seriously," said Pouncey. "I think everyone has been working out hard and getting after it. If you b.s. around you don't get what you want. Everybody can see that from last year going 8-8."
