Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Monday.
The Kickoff
It used to be that the third game of the preseason was the “dress rehearsal” game where stars and starters usually played a few series and called it a day. With just three preseason games now, we still don’t have a grip on how coaches handle this. Take the Bills for example who happen to be the Steelers’ opponent. Star QB Josh Allen has played in both of the team’s preseason games. The Steelers’ starter Aaron Rodgers has yet to play let alone dress for the first two games. As of this writing, we do not yet know Mike McCarthy’s plan for his QBs Thursday night. Logic would suggest he will flip the script and give Drew Allar the first half and Will Howard the second but we shall see.
Surprises
This has been mentioned many times but it bears repeating. Because Mike McCarthy and his staff have no loyalty to the players and draft picks they adopted, surprise cuts are likely. Who those guys are I don’t know. I will give you a couple of guesses though. Despite all of the touches Friday night, I still think Kaleb Johnson is gone. Another guy is Cole Holcomb. The Steelers currently have Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts. Carson Bruener has had an excellent preseason and Camp and could very well slide in ahead of Holcomb. Bruener is making the team either way because of his Special Teams’ prowess but if he makes coaches confident enough that he can play LB when called upon then that opens up other spots to keep guys. Again, those are just examples at this point.
TRUTH
Dirt Bag
There is certainly some perspective here because D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman, Jr haven’t played in the preseason, but I’ve been really impressed with Ben Skowronek as a receiver. That was his primary position of course coming out of college but he’s really improved. His hands are really good and his route running gets him open. Granted, he’s going against second and third team DBs but as he’s proven, if called upon he can be a productive option.
JPJ
With the season closing in, it feels more and more likely that Joey Porter, Jr is not going to get his extension. Would it shock me if he did? No, but it sure feels like it isn’t going to happen. If he indeed goes without the extension then the franchise tag comes into play here. Right now, the tag for cornerbacks is around $21 million. That’s a decent chunk less than what he’s clearly demanding. Is this headed for Le’Veon Bell type territory? I hope not.
Random Reads
Deshaun Watson was booed by his own fans this week in Cleveland. He made it worse by talking about it… Has anyone ever liked a DJ’s playlist at a wedding reception? I think not… Remember the days when we just enjoyed a musical artist for their ability? Now we have to decide if they fit our politics first. Strange days… My daughter is currently on an Alaskan cruise. She kayaked with sea lions yesterday… Marvel suggested there are 22 different movies/series to watch before seeing Dr. Doom. Man, I don’t have time for that! There’s gotta be a Cliff’s Notes on YouTube… Year 31 in the classroom begins for me tomorrow. I’m old.
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