The Break is Over
Unintentionally, I took two months off from writing. Since then, the Steelers have started training camp, played a pre-season game, and been endlessly tied to trade speculations. Let's dig in.
Since Father’s Day, life has been a bit of a roller coaster for our family. I won’t bore you with the details, but just the chaos of life catches up sometimes. Because of that, I have fallen behind on writing about the Pittsburgh Steelers. To try and catch up: The team wrapped up their last training camp practice at Saint Vincent College this week. Saturday is their second pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium. I see little point in previewing a meaningless game, but before we leave I will give you some thoughts on what I am watching for.
The bigger story over the summer has been the Steelers and their interest in 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. It has been no secret and the jousting back and forth between agents and media has everyone’s head spinning. As of right now, the word is that Aiyuk has an offer on the table from San Francisco but has not signed it. The 49ers and Steelers agree on terms of a trade, and Aiyuk likes the potential contract he would get from Pittsburgh, but there has been no handshake yet. Who knows what will happen. My gut tells me he will stay in San Francisco. They will end up giving him what he wants contract wise. We will have been strung along all summer for nothing. But, if I am wrong, and he signs with Pittsburgh? Aiyuk will give the Steelers a dynamic option opposite George Pickens. He would be much more dynamic than they had with Dionte Johnson who was traded away this offseason. Excitement in Pittsburgh would be noticeable. Two great young receivers, two proven running backs, a soild tight end, and a young offensive line with extreme potential. But we cannot forget the elephant in the room.
The quarterback. Justin Fields has taken the majority of first team reps throughout camp and in the first pre-season game. Russell Wilson hurt his calf in the Steelers first conditioning test. Some may try to tell you this give Fields the chance to start week 1. Those people have never followed Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Fields brings some level of excitement, he still has his flaws. On top of that, Tomlin loves veterans, particularly veterans with pedigree like Russ has. Say what you want about Wilson, but he has won a Super Bowl and probably should have won another. Barring injury, he is absolutely starter. And if they land Brandon Aiyuk? There will be zero excuses — not that anyone was making them to begin with. Now, on to the Bills.
Bills at Steelers: Pre-season Week 2
The result of this game obviously does not matter. Nothing about the game really matters. I will not feel one way or the other about Pittsburgh’s season after this game. Besides, last pre-season really taught the Steeler fanbase to not count their eggs before they hatch.
What I am watching for on offense: Will Arthur Smith’s offense continue to look different?
Through training camp and one game in the preseason, the offense is absolutely different. More tight ends, more play action, less jet sweeps. Does Smith show any more of his hand?
Will the offensive line mesh?
Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu are rookies. Broderick Jones is in his second year unsure which tackle spot he will play, and Dan Moore Jr. is fighting for his job. It will be interesting to see which tackles start where, and who plays well. Plus, will Nate Herbig start again at center after a rough game last week?
Receivers not named George Pickens
Van Jefferson seemed solidifed for the time being as the #2 receiver. But who else can really show they are worth playing in the regular season? Scotty Miller has been around and has flashed so far, Calvin Austin III had the long touchdown against the Raiders last season, but we still haven’t seen much. Quez Watkins struggled against Houston last week, can he rebound?
What I am watching for on defense: How is the communication?
Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts have a wealth of experience, but they are playing together for the first time this season. Do things look smooth. In the preseason, that is what matters.
Does Beanie Bishop look better at slot corner?
Grayland Arnold looked to have the inside track to be the starter after Beanie Bishop struggled in the first preseason game against the Texans. But now Arnold is gone with injury and it feels like everything falls on Bishop. He was undrafted, but Pittsburgh needs some luck here. The position has been lackluster since Mike Hilton left.
How do the depth players on the defensive line play?
Isaiahh Loudermilk, Demarvin Leal, Dean Lowry, Logan Lee. Who shows up? Who flashes? Cameron Heyward, Keanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, and even Montravius Adams - we know what we are getting. But depth is needed, injuries happen. Will any of these guys show they are going to give the depth?
We will see if we get answers to those questions Saturday night at Acrisure Stadium. But no matter what, we will be a week closer to kickoff in Atlanta.
Thanks for reading. I’ll see yinz in the next one.