Hello Steelers’ Fans! And good Thursday to you!
If there is anything in the sports world that can get over-saturated (besides coverage of LeBron James) it’s the anticipation of the NFL Draft. I already have “draft fatigue” to be very honest and I cannot wait until it actually gets here. Where the Steelers are going in round one I have no idea. I can see scenarios where the first two picks are offensive players. I can see scenarios where the first two picks are defensive backs. I can also see situations where two inside linebackers are chosen. At the end of the day, the Steelers have done their usual good job of playing their cards very close to the vest. I’m just ready for the Draft and I’m sure you are too.
According to Gerry Dulac of the post-gazette, the Steelers formally appealed to the NFL to have no games scheduled on holidays in the upcoming season. Normally I don’t like it when teams do this but this is a situation where it is warranted. In 2016, the Steelers played on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Last season they again played on Christmas. While both the team and the League are fully aware of the ratings the Steelers bring and the ticket sales they generate as well, this is a fair request. Players deserve an opportunity to be with families on holidays just like the rest of us.
Episode 69 of the Steel City Blitz Podcast presented by 26shirts.com/Pittsburgh is available for your listening pleasure. Cnic and Ian joined yours truly to discuss wide receivers and running backs as part of our Draft previews. Check it out!
Tweet of the Day… This is a great question by the Former Steeler who was obviously watching some hoops.
Do high school basketball coaches coach or encourage flopping or “selling” fouls?
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) April 19, 2018
Ian keeps on rolling with his position previews. Here’s the latest on Defensive Linemen.
I had my annual fun yesterday where I predict the Steelers’ schedule for the upcoming season. The actual schedule comes out tonight at 8pm ET.
One of the guys made a great point on the podcast last night about Javon Hargrave in the 3-4 defense. As the nose tackle, his job is to occupy two blockers. This is something that Joel Steed and Casey Hampton did so well. Hargrave does not do this nearly as well and when the offense has one more blocker who can get to the second level? That means the run defense suffers.
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
