The first preseason game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 is in the books! If you missed the game, or are interested on some individual performances, we got you covered. The Steelers won this game with a score of 30-28.
Winners
Devin Bush: 10 total tackles: (7 solo) in only one half of football. A very solid game by Bush.
3rd string tight ends: Kevin Rader: Did very well as a blocker, but fumbled after a reception. Arrow is up on this young man, though. Zach Gentry did some good things in the passing game.
James Washington: 4 catches on 5 targets for 84 yards and 1 TD. Some very impressive catches.
Kicking game: Chris Boswell went 2/2 FG’s (long 47) along with 1/1 XP. Michael Wright equally impressive, kicking a perfect 1/1 FG (42 yarder) and 2/2 XP.
Mason Rudolph: 5-8, 91 yards and 2 TD. Was not sacked. Pocket presence was stellar. Looks like the true backup to Ben Roethlisberger.
Devlin Hodges: Threw the ball well, especially on the run. Pocket presence a plus as well.
Fred Johnson: Glowing reports out of training camp were very well represented by the undrafted free agent guard. His arrow is very much up.
Ulysees Gilbert III: Although limited reps and against the Buccaneers third team, was effective in coverage, reeling in an interception off of a great read. Gilbert also had an impressive game rushing the passer, with two sacks including a strip-sack and multiple pressures. Arrow most definitely pointing up, should earn more reps for these next few preseason games.
Up and Down
Ola Adeniyi: Very good game by Adeniyi in the pass rush department as well as on special teams. Just needs to see some progress solidifying the run.
Joshua Dobbs: A few shaky passes along with some impressive throws. Used his legs very well. Made some poor choices.
Benny Snell Jr.: Looks a bit slow and started off that way. Got better as the game unfolded.
Diontae Spencer: Was up and down as a return specialist and did little as a receiver. Needs more reps.
Losers
Justin Layne: Mostly due to being in off-coverage which isn’t his game. Missed some tackles including some important ones that led to two touchdowns.
Chukwuma Okorafor: Abused in both the run and pass game. Still raw in his sets, too.
Danny Smith: Special team penalties still an issue as well as returns not doing much.
Backup offensive line: Fred Johnson aside, run blocking was pretty abysmal. Much improvement needed for these guys.
In the comments, let us know your winners and losers!
