The unbeaten: Pittsburgh Steelers

Three victories do not a season make, but a handful of NFL teams have started the 2007 season undefeated and taken a big step toward the playoffs. The select group includes preseason favorites Indianapolis and New England, mild surprises Dallas and Pittsburgh, and a bigger surprise in Green Bay. Times staff writer David Wharton takes a look at one of this fall’s fast starters:

Run first

The small, fast Willie Parker isn’t leading the league in rushing for no reason. The fourth-year running back is averaging more than 122 yards a game, in part, because his team has called for handoffs on almost 60% of its plays. Pittsburgh can also summon the bigger, stronger Najeh Davenport for a change of pace. Both backs have benefited from an offense that includes formations with multiple tight ends.

Big targets

When the Steelers do pass, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has made use of his big receivers. Heath Miller leads the team with 10 receptions for 152 yards and two other tight ends -- Matt Spaeth and Jerame Tuman -- have caught touchdown passes. A cautious approach to the air game has helped Roethlisberger complete almost 60% of his passes for a solid 102.9 quarterback rating. Hines Ward remains an outside threat but sustained a sprained right knee against San Francisco last week.

Steel curtain

Defense always comes first in the Steel City and this season is no different. Pittsburgh ranks second in the league, surrendering 244 yards a game, and has been equally effective against the run and pass. It’s truly a team approach, with no Steeler ranking among the NFL leaders in tackles or sacks.

Outlook

Of all the undefeated teams, Pittsburgh ranks with Green Bay in terms of eliciting skepticism. In Coach Mike Tomlin’s first season, the Steelers have defeated Cleveland, Buffalo and San Francisco -- teams with a combined record of 3-6. Check back at the end of October after they have faced Seattle, Denver and AFC North rivals Cincinnati and Baltimore.

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david.wharton@latimes.com