The Pittsburgh Steelers will take to the field in Tampa, Florida tomorrow night for their first preseason contest of the 2023 season. This will be the team’s first opportunity to hit other opponents which is always good after two weeks of hitting each other at St. Vincent College. While the outcome of the game means very little, the evaluation of the players and coaches means everything. Here’s what we’re looking for on Friday night against the Bucs.
Health Means Everything But…
It goes without saying that for every team in the NFL avoiding injury is the most important part of the preseason. The problem is that there’s very little that can be done about that. Fans are already in a heated debate over whether Kenny Pickett should play or not for fear of getting hurt. Well, you know Mike Tomlin doesn’t “live in his fears” so that’s out the window. Pickett and all healthy players will participate according to Tomlin. Injuries happen people and furthermore, Kenny Pickett is not a proven, veteran QB. In other words, he needs the reps.
The Green Experiment
We still don’t really have a definitive idea as to how serious Matt Canada and Mike Tomlin are about Kendrick Green being used as a fullback. I’m going to suggest this; if you see him being used while the first team offense is in there then I’d take it seriously. If we don’t see it until the second half, when Mason Rudolph and Tanner Morgan are running things then I’m going to continue to see it as nothing more than a gimmick. I’ll say this though, Green has been putting in a lot of time on the jugs machine working on catching the ball. Maybe that means nothing but I give him credit for working at it.
Jonesing for Jones
I get it that fans want to see a first round draft pick play as soon as possible. You make the investment (especially since the Steelers traded up) and you want to see a return on it ASAP. Let’s have some patience though. Dan Moore has done nothing to be relegated to the second team and Broderick Jones has done little to take the starting job. Jones’ play on Friday night will go a long way towards changing that though. Will he get some first team reps? Will he stay with the second team? I’m sure Mike Tomlin already has a plan in mind but I remind you, be patient.
The Linebackers
When the Bucs have the ball, my eyes are going to be glued to the inside linebackers. I want to see several things. Are they staying clean? Are they able to make consistent tackles inside the box and sideline to sideline? Who is covering backs and tight ends well? Who isn’t? I feel good about Cole Holcomb overall but I still need to see his overall game. Kwon Alexander brings more speed and Elandon Roberts is a thumper. Mark Robinson is a run stuffer but has shortcomings in coverage. They really are the lynch pin of what this defense could be. To be fair, their success will often depend on the guys in front of him but this week I’m watching the LBs.
CAIII
We were unable to see any of Calvin Austin III in his rookie season because of an injury. So far, his speed and quickness in Camp has been detailed but this game will be the first time we get to see him in a game situation. First off, is he durable? Rarely does he take a direct hit but now he has to be ready for that. The Steelers have lacked a true home run threat for some time now and Austin’s skills are vital to giving them that. He had some drops in Camp so hopefully he cleans that up and is able to show off his abilities.
Herbig(s)
The Herbig Brothers will have my eye Friday night. Nate is likely to be the Steelers’ top reserve at either guard spot and he’s an absolute demolisher in the run game. I want to watch him in pass protection. How well is he doing? How’s the communication? How’s his overall play? He may not be a starter but he’s going to be an important part of the O-Line.
His brother has been a pleasant surprise at Outside Linebacker. Most of us recognize that he’s a very good pass rusher using a blend of speed and slippery moves to get to the QB but what does he do when he’s forced to set the edge against the run? So far, he’s held up pretty well during Camp but I’m anxious to see what he does in game action against another opponent. If he continues the upward momentum then he really does give the Steelers a solid core of OLBs.
Lastly, the Punting Race
Yes, I’m one of those dorks who likes to watch the kickers and punters. Mike Tomlin has already made it abundantly clear that there is a hotly contested race on between incumbent Pressley Harvin III and veteran newcomer Braden Mann. The early returns so far from Camp are that Harvin has been slightly better in terms of distance and hang time, the latter o which the Steelers covet. But they also demand their punters be able to kick directionally as well. This helps limit where the return man can go and it helps the coverage team in terms of pursuit as well. I definitely watching these guys and I’m curious as the rotation Danny Smith uses.
Photo courtesy post-gazette.com
