Plenty of blame has been distributed to various members of the Steelers for the team's 1-2 start.

The following top 10, in order, are the Steelers whose performances are most vital to the team's success on the field.

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1. Ben Roethlisberger. Since Jerome Bettis left, Roethlisberger joins Hines Wards as the team's heart and soul. The man behind center runs the show and has to make plays to win games.When Big Ben shines in the fourth quarter, the Steelers win. When he doesn't, they usually lose. Simple as that.•

2. Troy Polamalu. Think his presence hasn't been missed in the waning minutes of the past two games? Polamalu is such a unique athlete that when he's on the field, he disrupts offensive game plans. The guy is a playmaker and the defense sorely misses that.•

3. James Harrison. Speaking of playmakers, here's one of the league's best. But Harrison has been neutralized so far and the Steelers have generated only one takeaway in three games. When Harrison mixes in the blitz threat vs. dropping into coverage, he can confuse any quarterback. Just ask Kurt Warner.•

4. Hines Ward. Combining his steady offensive production with his blocking ability, Ward ranks high on this list. He's one of the gutsiest players in the NFL, too, and that's an intangible that can't be overlooked.•

5. Willie Parker. Contrary to popular belief — and maybe even the Steelers' own — this team needs a running game. Mewelde Moore is a stellar third-down back and Rashard Mendenhall has progressed slowly. This might be Parker's last year in Pittsburgh, but he's still the guy.•

6. James Farrior. He's quiet, he's steady and often goes unnoticed during a game. But Farrior rarely makes a mistake. Unfortunately, he took the wrong angle on that fourth-and-10 in Cincinnati last week.•

7. Jeff Reed. Yeah, he's just a kicker, but clutch field goals are necessary if you have designs on winning a championship. Reed has been so solid in that area that people are still in shock about those two missed field goals against the Bears.•

8. LaMarr Woodley. He's the other bookend with Harrison and his lack of production has been just as noticeable. If teams are targeting Harrison — as most will — Woodley has to make plays on the other side.•

9. Santonio Holmes. He's playing like he's in a fog so far this year, but Holmes emerged as a star last season. With Ward more of a possession-type receiver, Holmes has to be the big-play guy in the passing game.•

10. Heath Miller. He's the Farrior of the offensive unit, a consistent player who rarely makes the highlights on "SportsCenter." Miller can be deadly in short yardage situations and around the goal line. His blocking has to be adept for the ground game to work as well.No offensive or defensive linemen are on this list. Those units work more as a tandem than as individuals.For the Steelers to shine, their stars must shine — and stay healthy.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.