Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers begin the preseason in Jacksonville on Saturday against the Jaguars, marking the first game they’ve played since January.
Starters including Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Jalen Ramsey won’t play. It’s not surprising for the first game, but it opens the door for others to take advantage of opportunities. With that said, there will be plenty to watch tonight, so let’s get into it.
The wide receiver depth behind DK Metcalf has a lot to prove in-game, and the preseason will help determine the pecking order. Scotty Miller and Aaron Rodgers have had the best chemistry outside of Metcalf of any player in the position group.
But what about Roman Wilson? Mike Tomlin may have been sending a message by putting the former third-round pick third on the depth chart behind Calvin Austin and Robert Woods. Wilson responded by catching two touchdowns in seven shots and reportedly having his best day of practice on Tuesday. All eyes will be on Wilson to see how he responds in a game setting.
Broderick Jones could very well be No. 1 on the list in terms of players to watch. Jones has been up and down in training camp and was pushed around at times by Alex Highsmith during the Friday night lights practice.
If Aaron Rodgers is the most important player on the field this season, Jones is second. How he transitions back to his natural position at left tackle will be a main focal point on offense and how the Steelers protect their 41-year-old quarterback.
Saturday provides the first test for Jones following his first two seasons at right tackle. The former first-round pick likely won’t play long, but should play considerable snaps to get back into the flow.
Yahya Black has turned some heads at training camp as a fifth-rounder that the Steelers may have found good value in. He recorded 34 tackles and seven tackles for loss as a senior at Iowa. He had s strong back stretch of training camp, which could lead to him getting a closer look during preseason play. The Steelers’ depth on the defensive line isn’t strong on paper, but Black’s emergence could add a much-needed spark with Dean Lowry out for the season and DeMarvin Leal being kicked to the outside.
We have a punting battle! Cameron Johnson signed a three-year deal last offseason, but only played in one contest before suffering a season-ending injury. The Steelers signed Corliss Waitman for the remainder of the year, and he held down the fort with a strong season. Keep an eye on the punting battle throughout the three games. It’s not a flashy position battle, but one of the only ones in camp this year.
