On Tuesday, former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher said he doesn’t think the team has what it takes to be No. 1 this year.

"I think Pittsburgh, they've got a chance with their schedule to get off to a good start," Cowher said Tuesday in an interview on the NFL Network. "They've got a chance to be a team to be contended with."

Cowher, who coached the team for 15 years, said he thinks the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals will finish ahead of the Steelers in the AFC North division.

"It's his opinion," said defensive lineman Aaron Smith. "He's entitled to it. Obviously, I have a different view on it. We'll have to play it out and see."

"He knows what he's talking about, but he hasn't been around here for a while," said nose tackle Chris Hoke. "He's missed training camp and the work we've done in the off-season."

"He's just doing his job," said defensive back Bryant McFadden. "It's just another added factor, you know. Motivation for us."

Cowher resigned as the Steelers head coach following last season. Since then, he has signed on to be an NFL studio analyst for CBS.

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin took over as head coach for the Steelers, posting a 4-1 record in the preseason.

The team is set to take on the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Cleveland. It will be Tomlin's first official game as a head coach in the NFL.

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