There are a number of things and players I'd like to see more from in this season preseason game for the Steelers.
Most importantly, I'd like to see the first team offense and defense do their jobs.
Since both will only be in - at least as a unit - for a series or two, I'd like to see the offense look as unstoppable as it has looked at times at training camp.
That can be both good and bad. There's a balance you have to have at training camp. For everything good that a unit or player does, that means its opposing side isn't making a play.
The Steelers have had a decent balance in training camp of that - but the offense has clearly been better.
When Roethlisberger and company are out there, they've been damn near unstoppable. Not all the time, but most of it.
We know the Steelers have an outstanding offense. But is it as good as it has looked or is the defense that bad?
That's what I want to find out first and foremost. We won't know that for sure today. It will be a small sample size. But we'll get a better idea now and moving forward.
Now, here are some players I want to see:
@ Dri Archer - He looked elusive and showed better vision than he did at any time last season when he was simply a speed guy. Can he do it again?
@ Alejandro Villanueva - Al, he known by his teammates, more than held his own against second and third-teamers last week. Can he do it against higher-level guys? He continues to be a work in progress, but he's progressing nicely.
@ Cam Thomas - Everyone's whipping boy last season - for good reason - Thomas has been good in training camp despite opening on the third team. He carried that into last week's game and dominated the Vikings' backups. Like Villanueva, you want to see him do it again.
@ Jesse James - As Mike Tomlin said, catch the ball. You're better than that.
@ Brandon Boykin - He made a couple of plays last week despite very few practices. Can he continue that process.
@ Garrett Hartley - For obvious reasons, this is a big game for the Steelers' new kicker.
@ Jarvis Jones. Will he flash any power or bend rushing the passer? That's what I want to see.
ReplyDeleteJones and Moats. Dupree showing something. What kind of rush can Heyward and Tuit get?
ReplyDeleteRun game. Does DeAngelo really have anything left in the tank?
WRs. How has Bryant improved and what does that do for his chemistry with Ben. Also interested I. Wheaton's improvement. He and Ben weren't always on the same page last year. Who's the 4th WR? I think during the season most of the time it will be Bell and Archer for formation flexibility.
Secondary. Specifically Shamarko and Boykin.
I wanna see Jarvis and Shazier do something to show why they were first round picks. A sack, FF, INT, TFL gimme something to be excited about.
ReplyDeleteThis post should read: 1. Shamarko 2. Shamarko 3. Shamarko
ReplyDeleteIs Gerod Holliman any good?
ReplyDeleteI don't know how much some of those guys will play, which is why I didn't include them this time around.
ReplyDeleteI have a very simple wish list in every preseason game, just one item: No injuries. That's it.
ReplyDeleteI cringe through these games, particularly in the 1st half when front-line guys are playing.
And by the way, for other out-of-market fans like me, NFL Network is supposed to be re-broadcasting the game tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 pm.
ReplyDeleteWhat does everyone think the first play when the steelers have the ball will be? Pass or run?
ReplyDeleteMy prediction: Play action, 9 route to Bryant or Ben settles underneath to AB.
Jet reverse left off a fake stretch play to the right. Wheaton, maybe Archer.
ReplyDeleteAs for what I want to see? A touchdown might be nice. Or two. But I'd settle for just one. I'm not greedy. By the offense. Thought I should specify.
Forget arm tackles. Archer can't even break finger tip tackles!
ReplyDeleteSo far, looks a lot like last year. Offense is good. The defense is terrible. They don't get pressure, can't stop the run and can't cover. STs cover units are poor.
ReplyDeleteVery disappointing first half especially from Tuitt, McLendon and Heyward. They were consistently bowled over by the likes of Toby Gephart and blocked at the line of scrimmage.
Now now, let's not get too excited about preseason.
ReplyDeleteI get it's exhibition season, but Heyward, McLendon and Tuitt are the first team DL. They certainly shouldn't get pushed around like ragdolls on running plays and stoned on the pass rush as they were.
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