The first preseason game is almost upon us and here are some guys I'm itching to see play for various reasons:
Flozell Adams: I've watched Adams at times throughout training camp and it's tough to gauge how hard the veteran is going at all times. I want to see him line up against another team and see if he's got what it takes to help this team at right tackle.
Isaac Redman/Jonathan Dwyer/Frank Summers: These three guys are probably fighting for two spots on the roster, with Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore holding down the other two spots. I only see the Steelers keeping four backs coming out of camp, so it will be interesting to see who shows up. Dwayne Wright is a darkhorse candidate. But because the Steelers do so little with the fullback and use David Johnson in that blocking role, I don't see them keeping five unless they have an injury or Willie Parker gets cut loose by Washington.
Stevenson Sylvester/Thaddeus Gibson/Jason Worilds: The three rookie linebackers have all looked good thus far in camp - though Worilds has been slowed by a hamstring injury. Can they carry that over to a game?
Keenan Lewis/Joe Burnett/William Gay: I think Burnett was pushing Gay for playing time in the nickel before getting hurt Tuesday. Lewis is more of an outside guy, which would make it difficult for him to slide into the nickel with Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden. Rookie Crezdon Butler keeps on making plays as well. But it will be difficult for him to crack Dick LeBeau's defense as a rookie.
I really want to see the rookie WRs, Sanders and Brown. I've heard good things about those guys. Can't wait to see them play.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Stevenson Sylvester/Thaddeus Gibson/Jason Worilds: How would you gauge their contibutions on ST?
ReplyDeleteI want to see Gibson play already
ReplyDeleteLike I've said before, worilds will take longer to develop, but I honestly think gibson can contribute already
Can't do it yet since they really don't do much except drills - no live tackling - with special teams stuff.
ReplyDeleteThat's another thing I want to see out of those guys.
As for the young receivers, they may be difficult to judge if they're playing with Dixon, who looks to have slid backwards a bit - in my estimation.
Dale,
ReplyDeleteWhat about Ziggy, Sunny Harris, & D. Worthington? I also wanted to see S. McClendon but since he is on the shelf with the MCL sprain, I guess it is the practice squad for him again. Also, what are the possibilities of this team keeping 5 RBs - Mendy, M. Moore, Redman, Dwyer & Tank? I know this means that Logan won't make the team, but I think we've got other guys who can actually play a position and return (Sanders, Brown, El, Butler). I don't think Joe Burnett has the hands or the speed to be an NFL-caliber returner. Any chance that Legursky beats out Hartwig for the starting job?
I love reading training camp reports, but the inconsistencies can be frustrating.
ReplyDeleteWexell says Dwyer looks great, but then we read about how the coaches are pissed at him for being out of shape. We read about how improved Redman is and how he's a lock for short-yardage RB, but then Wexell says he won't even make the team. Meanwhile, Bouchette says all the RBs are so bad that the team is going to bring back Willie Parker!
I never know what to believe.
To anonymous- that's the beauty of TC!!
ReplyDeletei find when some people write things about guys when they see one negitive thing in a practice, or if the player has one bad practice. No one is gonna be spot on great in EVERY practice. I try get an OVERALL feel for how good of a camp guys are having...if most comments are positive...the are looking good...mostly bad, etc. So far I would say that Redman is having a decent camp as is Gibson, Hood, Worthington, Sanders and Brown. Ben by all accounts looks great...not that that matters for awhile. Seems alot of people like the future for Keenan Lewis but he dosn't fit the nickel role as Dale mentioned.
ReplyDeleteKeenan Lewis is awesome. He could even play safety imo. He might be our 3rd best safety right now actually
ReplyDeletekeeeeeeeeeeeeeeevin, what makes him so awesome and the 3rd best safety? I'm curious how you came to that conclusion, since you know, he barely played last year.
ReplyDelete(and it doesn't take much to be the 3rd best safety on this team)
He looked awesome in preseason. I like him whatever. Lewis and Burnett will be way way better than Gay
ReplyDelete(thats why i said 3rd best safety ldo)
btw, who is our 3rd safety? Mundy? hes nothing special
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's not like we all get together and compare notes on guys.
ReplyDeleteAs for Lewis at safety, Will Allen is the third safety at this point.
They could keep five running backs, but I honestly don't see them doing it unless Parker gets cut by Washington and they bring him back. Willie doesn't play teams, so he would be a luxury item.
As for the young defensive linemen, I'm pretty sure they can all play - bye Nick Eason.
ReplyDeleteWow really? that good have the young dlinemen been? I've been hoping for that
ReplyDeleteI like eason, but if the young guys can play at his level or similarly then he can go. He was cut last year too for a few weeks anyway
Smith and Keisel is enough veretan presence, and Ziggy seems to have his head right on his shoulders.
can't wait to see them play!
Which of these 7 guys do you see staying?
ReplyDeleteEason
Harris
Hoke
Hood
McLendon
Paxson
Worthington
I assume we will keep 3, or at most 4.
Paxson is gone as well. McClendon can go to the practice squad.
ReplyDeleteThey'll keep Hoke, Hood and Harris/Worthington or both. Eason would have to do something great to change that. Or the kids would have to fall flat on their faces.
Dale,
ReplyDeleteWhen will you post your first projections as to a roster?
I want to see some of these young guys play in a live game first.
ReplyDelete