The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions 19-9 Sunday in the 2022 preseason finale which means they finish 3-0 which as all of you know means absolutely nothing. Of more significance, Diontae Johnson and T.J. Watt both left with injuries as did Damontae Kazee. On to my observations from the games.
Offensive Observations
-The offensive line did nothing to make me think things will be better in two weeks. Dan Moore right now might be my biggest concern. He had two holding penalties and could have easily had a third. Even when the QB is able to get the throw away Moore is giving up too much ground. The run blocking was hardly better than it was last week as a collective unit.
-My biggest takeaway from the offense was the sloppy, overall play. There were several mental mistakes that led to penalties that quite frankly should not be happening this time of year.
-Mitchell Trubisky (15/19 160 yards 1TD) went the entire first half and concluded his time with a very nice two-minute drill which resulted in a touchdown. Kenny Pickett(10/14 90 yards) started after halftime and went into the fourth quarter. There was nothing of concern in his overall play but I found it curious that there were a lot of throws designed to be “safe.” I was really hoping we would see him get to push the ball down the middle of the field more.
-Mason Rudolph (0/3) didn’t get nearly the snaps I thought he would playing just in the final quarter.
-Najee Harris(4 carries 10 yards, 3 REC 11 yards) looked good and when he did get some space he took advantage of it.
-I still like Jaylen Warren over Benny Snell but I got the feeling it could be Anthony McFarland who is in trouble.
-Diontae Johnson’s terrific first quarter catch resulted in a shoulder injury that forced him out of the game. At this writing the injury is not considered serious.
-We did in fact see a little bit of Connor Heyward at fullback. With Derek Watt nursing an injury which has kept him out of the entire preseason, I’m really starting to wonder if Watt survives Tuesday.
-Pat Freiermuth looks really good. Mid-season form if you will.
Defensive Observations
-Why T.J. Watt is in the second quarter of a meaningless game is beyond me. It looks like he has avoided serious injury to his left knee. The hit was almost identical to the one that knocked out Kayvon Thibodeaux of the Giants for several weeks.
-Minkah Fitzpatrick was used a lot in the box today. A sign of things to come? I don’t think so. Perhaps at certain times and in certain packages but he needs to be playing centerfield.
-The run defense is further along than the offensive line but it’s still very much a work in progress. Too much ground being given up at the point of attack and RBs are getting to the second level too easily.
-Devin Bush was better today. He was.
-Very unfortunate injury for Damontae Kazee. He was going to make this roster. I’m not doctor but the aircast signaled a broken arm to me.
-Justin Layne is a prized Special Teamer but has he done enough on defense? I’m not so sure.
-It certainly appears to me that Hamilcar Rashed is poised to be one of the team’s OLB backups.
-I think Myles Jack could have a Pro Bowl season. He’s been that impressive.
-I’m not convinced the cornerbacks we have in Cam Sutton (INT), Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon are among the best in the NFL, but I like what I’ve seen the last couple of weeks. Biggest question for me is covering the slot.
Special Teams Observations
-Looked to me like Kendrick Green was to blame for the blocked field goal.
-I have to think Steven Sims has a practice squad spot wrapped up. He’s proven his worth as both a receiver and return man.
-Chris Boswell was 4/5 with a 54-yarder. He’s good to go.
-I’m pretty confident that Miles Killabrew makes the roster despite not seeing any action in the preseason.
