987
The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 3-0 on the preseason with a 26-20 win over the Detroit Lions. This was the first time many players had the chance to play in Heinz Field in front of fans. The Steelers led by double figures most of the game before the Lions fought back with two late touchdowns. Here are our thoughts on the game in terms of what we see from our Black and Gold.
On Offense
- Not much you can say about Ben Roethlisberger. He looked mobile, crisp and accurate. Mike Tomlin got exactly what he wanted out of Seven.
- Pat Freiermuth’s athleticism is going to be a huge bonus to this offense. You can’t coach height and you can’t coach hands either.
- Up and down night for Eric Ebron. A bad drop and a bad penalty but also a couple of good blocks and receptions. He played well into the second half while Freiermuth didn’t. Wonder if the depth chart hasn’t flipped here…
- Chuks Okorafor was better last night but he has to be more consistent. The misses in pass protection are scary.
- Dan Moore is getting better and better.
- Have to love the nastiness of Kendrick Green. He gets after it every single play. Pass protection needs work.
- Mason Rudolph will be the number two QB to start the season. He’s played well, if unspectacular, in the preseason but right now I think there’s more confidence in him than Dwayne Haskins should either have to start.
- Speaking of Haskins he was just 4 for 7 last night and took a sack as well. I have to believe he will get the start in the team’s final preseason game against Carolina.
- Kevin Dotson will start the season at left guard. I think he’s out of the doghouse for now.
- I believe Kalen Ballage has shown enough to make the roster. Benny Snell has done nothing. Not sure how you keep him if you’re Mike Tomlin.
- Zach Banner has to be on a snap count. He needs more reps but they aren’t giving him many right now.
- The most exciting play of the night for me was Najee Harris turning a short gain into a 46-yard reception. This is exactly what has been lacking on this offense.
- I can’t recall a time when so many wide receivers were vying this hard for a roster spot. Take the diminutive Mathew Sexton who made a big punt return in the Hall of Fame Game. He did it again last night. He collected a punt about the six-yard line, ran across the field being pushed towards his own end zone before taking it all the way to midfield. Several other receivers made big blocks or had nice catches as well.
On Defense
- Alex Highsmith is playing well. When T.J. Watt is opposite him he could be even better.
- Decent start for Joe Schobert. I think he’ll get more comfortable in the next week or two.
- Can Heyward is really good in case you forgot. He can’t be handled one on one.
- I think Isaiahh Loudermilk has potential but he has to work on getting off blocks better.
- Robert Spillane has really struggled this preseason. He was beaten in coverage by a rookie free agent tight end. He’s going to great for depth and Special Teams (see below) but any extended play time for him on D would be bad.
- Melvin Ingram, if he stays healthy, could be a massive signing. He literally destroys blockers at the point of attack.
- I have no idea how Jamir Jones doesn’t make the roster. He had two more QB pressures and a half sack and he continues to fly all over the field on D and on Special Teams.
- My biggest concern on defense right now is who is the slot corner? Arthur Maulet was banged up last night and Antoine Brooks hasn’t done enough to claim the spot.
- Terrell Edmunds was really good last night. He tackled well and diagnosed several plays quickly.
- Justin Layne is far from perfect but he seems to make just enough plays to keep himself in the conversation.
On Special Teams
- Good night for Chris Boswell. I feel good about his chances….
- Punters Jordan Berry and Pressley Harvin III didn’t get many chances last night with the offense moving the ball as well as they did. Both also had on kicks for Boswell during the game.
- Mathew Sexton. See above.
- Kudos to Robert Spillane. He’s had a rough Camp and Preseason. He’s lost his starting job as well but he played hard last night and was in on many plays in the kicking game.
This Tuesday at 4pm the Steelers will have to cut another five players to get down to 80. The major cut happens a week later when the team will gather its’ 53-man roster and Practice Squad.
Feature Image courtesy post-gazette.com
