Steel City Blitz
Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Wednesday.
Our first glimpse of Aaron Rodgers in a Pittsburgh Steelers’ uniform will not come until Week One. Let the debating begin… Mike Tomlin has made it clear that Rodgers will join T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and D.K. Metcalf as guys who will not play on Thursday night in Carolina. There are other vets who could join that list. The focus here though is Rodgers. He will enter the first game without having any game time with his offense. Most would tell you this is less than ideal. Clearly what Tomlin is saying is that he doesn’t want Rodgers getting hurt and he doesn’t believe Rodgers needs the Preseason reps. Coach T knows far more than I do but that doesn’t mean I won’t question this. The Steelers’ schedule sets up very much like last season’s did. There are opportunities for a positive start before finishing with a meat grinder. If the Steelers’ offense is sluggish and the timing is off then Tomlin will rightfully face questions. He won’t care, mind you, because he fully expects his defense to carry the load in the first month anyway. Winning rock fights is what he loves to do and by not giving Rodgers any snaps means it’s more likely to happen.
As we get closer to the August 26th cut down day the Steelers have already been forced to make some moves. Longsnapper Christian Kuntz has a chest injury but could return for week one. Therefore a new LS was brought in. With the OLB ranks thinning due to injury the Steelers brought in Kenny Willikes. He had an injury-riddled career before a resurgence in the USFL. With these moves, the Steelers also released WR Roc Taylor. I was a bit surprised by this but at the same time, the entire receiving group has been pretty impressive. Have to wonder if his lack of effort on a throw into the end zone Saturday was his last straw.
With the Black and Gold playing on our normal night of Thursday, we are moving the show to TONIGHT. Still 10pmET. Join us for great Steelers talk and opinion!
The mere fact that the Steelers brought back Gabe Davis tells you they still need a number two wide receiver. The 26-year old was here once before but his medical check didn’t go well. Davis is a deep ball threat who runs very average routes and has been known to drop the ball more often than not. He is however a very good blocker which is likely the biggest reason for the Steelers’ interest. Calvin Austin III has not participated in over two weeks due to an abdominal issue. Roman Wilson and Scotty Wilson have both looked good but clearly the team is concerned about whether they can be true, number two receivers. As for Robert Woods? I don’t think he makes the roster at this point.
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