What I saw

The new Steelers' offense looks somewhat like the old one – throw the ball and get a lead and then pound the football.

The formations and way that they do it may be a little different, but the end results were the same.

© You couldn't help but watch Sunday night's game and be impressed by how the Steelers pushed the Saints around on offense and defense. New Orleans is a team that could again challenge for the NFC title.

But it does show you the difference between the AFC and the NFC.

I think this is a very good Steelers team. But it's also a team that could finish anywhere from first to third in the AFC North.

And it's also a team that will be battling all season just to make the playoffs in the AFC. Put the Steelers in the NFC and they'd be one of the favorites to go to the Super Bowl.

© The Steelers may not lose a preseason game. The starters are solid and the JVs are pretty darn good too, which is a tribute to their scouting department.

© Which if the so-called JVs impressed the most?

Regular readers of this blog know that I've been touting Carey Davis for a while now. He did nothing to embarrass me in that regards. Gary Russell also looked strong running the ball.

Walter Young didn't do anything to hurt his chances as a wide receiver - though I didn't see much of him on special teams, where he'll have to earn his roster spot.

Jason Capizzi and Trai Essex did a good job on the offensive line – though Essex did have a false-start penalty.

And Ron Stanley did some good things at inside linebacker as well.

© Who didn't impress?

Start with Kevan Barlow. He just doesn't seem to have any desire to hit the holes hard. That coupled with his poor character and the fact he doesn't want to play special teams add up to his release.

Willie Reid didn't exactly knock my socks off returning the ball, struggling to catch a punt and a kickoff. But I'll chalk some of that up to the fact the lightstands at Fawcett Stadium aren't as high as those at an NFL stadium. The ball could get lost pretty easily up there.

Chukky Okobi didn't exactly solidfy himself at center as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sean Mahan take that starting center spot soon – once he gets back from his excused absence.

I've heard what Mahan's absence is due to and though I can't say what it is, he should take his time getting back.

© Max Starks played a good left tackle replacing Marvel Smith there after the first series. Remember, he was working against Will Smith.

Starks is going to make a lot of money in the offseason.