While I HATE having the Steelers lose any games…the most important thing is no one was hurt! The Steelers survived the preseason with a listless loss to the Panthers.
The Steelers need to make 22 cuts to get to the “first 53”!
What went right?
-NO SIGNIFICANT Injuries, the Steelers rested most of the varsity either intentionally or because of “injury”, I think Ben had hurt feelings and sat out. The preseason produced no significant injuries which is a welcome change.
-Despite my protests and criticisms, the Steelers front office did a great job in the draft and with player acquisition in the offseason. I still think we needed a Cornerback but Dri Archer is a heck of a lot of fun to watch. The best way to describe that pick, is that while we needed a CB I am sure we didn’t want to say we passed on Archer for some No Name Defensive Back to fill out the roster.
-The Steelers front seven looks terrific. Getting wrecked by the Eagles put a damper on this, but for the most part whatever derivative of seven guys the Steelers put up front, they played well, including nice showings by several rookies. Sean Spence could start for most teams, he will be on the bench for the Steelers.
-Big Ben is in good shape and again without the Eagles game he really had the offense moving.
-The receivers look like they won’t miss a beat after losing Wallace and Sanders in consecutive years. They have speed, size and great hands. I will be sad to see either or both Derek Moye or Justin Brown go, but I think Heyward-Bey has the last spot locked up.
-Three guys who I am pulling for on the roster are Josh Mauro, Dan “Mount” McCullers and Howard Jones. All three bring something to the team and all three have a punchers chance to make it. Mauro looks most likely to go with the return of Brett Keisel but hopefully the Steelers can hide him on the practice squad. McCullers is going to be a fan favorite if he stays and Jones really can play.
-I love that Brett Keisel is back! The Steelers have great D-Line help but there is something special about what Brett brings.
-The Starting Offensive line looks like it can be an asset instead of the clown act it was the beginning of last year. The depth looks a little thin but the starters played well in preseason.
What is a cause for concern?
-The cornerback situation looks dire at worst and passable at best. Any QB with blocking is going to pick these guys apart. The Steelers really need to dial up the pass rush this year to be successful.
-The secondary needs to gel better, I think the safety spot is an asset and like the talent at that spot, but they didn’t play very well together in the limited time
-Having the “Pineapple Express” Running Back tandem went from being a strength to the laughingstock of the league. Seriously, it is pretty sad for the Steelers. Having criminal is a Browns/Ravens thing.
-Special Teams had a borderline awful preseason. The Steelers have lost Long Snapper Greg Warren for a few games which takes up a roster spot. Brad Wing is a lousy punter and soon as another team cuts one loose he will be out of here. Shaun Suisham had a rough preseason and let’s hope he isn’t going to be the new Kris Brown, who woke up one day and couldn’t kick in the NFL.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!