For die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fans who have been watching their team since the 'Steel Curtain' days of the 1970s, times have changed for the black and yellow.

The Steelers are well known for having some of the best defensive players and squads in NFL history, but this team has been winning more because of their offense lately. Each of the last three times (2005, 2008, 2010) the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl, they had a top four defensive unit. Even more impressive, the Steelers had a top 10 defensive team every year from 2000 through 2012.

However, the last two seasons the Steelers defense has ranked 13th and 18th overall. Whether it's a changing of the times or Mike Tomlin's desire, it's obvious that the Steelers are far more reliant on their offense at the moment. Defensive mastermind Dick LeBeau is also no longer with the Steelers, and linebacker Jason Worilds stunned everyone when he decided to retire this offseason at just 27 years old.

The Steelers won the AFC North last season, just one win ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. With 19 division victories, the Steelers have by far the most AFC North championships of any team. It was a disappointing end for the Steelers as they lost a home playoff game to the Ravens.

Ben Roethlisberger had a career year last season throwing for nearly 5,000 yards, and he has plenty of help on offense. Antonio Brown had one of the greatest seasons in Steelers history for a wide receiver with 129 catches and 1,698 yards. Running back Le'Veon Bell completes the trio, but as well know, he will not be playing the first two games of the season because of a suspension.

This year the Steelers (and the rest of the AFC North) will have to face the NFC West. That won't be an easy four games as they will have to play the Seahawks in Seattle in Week 12. The Steelers will take on the Ravens in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football, and again in Baltimore in Week 16 on Sunday Night Football. The Steelers-Ravens rivalry is arguably the best in all of football, and both matchups this year will be on prime time.

Last season the Steelers were the highest scoring team in franchise history with 436 points. It wouldn't be surprising if the Steelers repeat last year's offensive success, but they obviously have to improve on the defensive side of the ball.

With Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor (even if they were declining) no longer on the roster, the Steelers secondary is very vulnerable. They will depend on their defensive line and pressure on the quarterback far more than having a reliable pass defense led by effective corners and safeties.

The Bengals won this division in 2013, but with Marvin Lewis remaining as head coach, many still remain doubtful. The Steelers swept the Bengals last season.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1