Good Tuesday to you Steelers fans.
On July 3rd, 1863, Confederate General George Pickett was ordered by Robert E. Lee to charge his troops up the field and attack Union forces along the ridge. Pickett was opposed to the idea as was General James Longstreet because the odds were not in their favor but Lee ordered the charge anyway and it ended in disaster. The Confederate Army was on the run for the rest of the war. In August of 2022, another Pickett is making a charge. This one does not quite carry the same fate that one did so many years ago but don’t tell that to Steelers Nation. Rookie first round pick Kenny Pickett, who has spent most of his first Training Camp working with the third team, is making his charge to move up the depth chart. Pickett followed up his stellar performance on Saturday night by getting significant reps with the second team yesterday. Clearly he picked up where he left off and reportedly didn’t have an incompletion in 12 throws. Let’s be clear here, Kenny Pickett will likely be the starter at some point during this season, but until then his main goal is to become the official number two QB. I have to believe that this Saturday in Jacksonville Pickett will get time with those second teamers. If his charge continues then Mason Rudolph suddenly becomes expendable and the pressure on Mitchell Trubisky grows.
Speaking of Rudolph
A report surfaced yesterday from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggesting the Detroit Lions are interested in Rudolph. Behind starter Jared Goff, the Lions have Tim Boyle and David Blough. They clearly see Rudolph as a major upgrade to either of those players. Omar Khan will obviously want to get the highest possible value he can get in return and right now I’m guessing that’s a fifth rounder. In order for this to happen, the Steelers have to be confident in not just Kenny Pickett, but also Chris Oladokun. The rookie seventh-round draft pick did not get a snap last weekend but must create enough confidence in Mike Tomlin to use him should a Duck Hodges situation arise. So this is a lot more than just Kenny Pickett here if in fact this rumor is even accurate.
Tweet of the Day… This is a good question and I have to believe it comes down to a couple of things. First, maybe Joe Haden’s demands are too high. Second, maybe he’s enjoying golf too much (he loves golf by the way). Third, is there something we don’t know like an existing injury concern? I agree with Ben but something tells me there is something we don’t know.
Why on Earth is Joe Haden still a free agent?
Sure, he's lost a step. He's still better than 80% of the CBs on NFL rosters right now.— Ben Anderson (@BenAnderson58) August 15, 2022
Comings and Goings
The Steelers waived/designated with injury OLB Tuzar Skipper and signed OLB James Vaughters. Vaughters is 29 years old and is well-traveled. He started his career in Green Bay has had stints in New England, San Diego, the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders twice, Chicago and Atlanta. Despite the lack of depth at the position, the odds are quite long for Vaughters making the squad. Also today is the first cut-down day. NFL teams must go from 90 players to 85 players by the end of the day. Chances are most of you will not have heard of the five guys released today.
WPIAL Time
Ian has already started his previews of WPIAL High School Football and held his first podcast as well. I’m not one for hyperbole but I’m telling you right now that you won’t find better coverage than what Ian provides. Make sure to follow the Twitter handle @WPIAL_Blitz and come right here to Steel City Blitz for all of his coverage!
Celebrating 50 years of “Immaculate”
We’ve got a brand new shirt/hoodie in our online store with DC4L Custom Tees celebrating the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception!” Get yours right here.
FOCO
The great people at FOCO have released their brand new Steelers Spring Collection and I’ve got it right here for you. We get a small percentage back on anything that you buy so please consider it! AND…. Check out their selection of reusable bags too! There are tons of great Steelers item on their site outside of the Spring collection too!
Our Online Store
Please visit our online store! We have been so fortunate to work with DC4L Custom Tees! They are wonderful to work with and are willing to work with you on just about any design you can come up with!
