Steel City Blitz
The Pittsburgh Steelers report to St. Vincent College today and like every other year, there are expectations. Those begin and end with the Super Bowl but this season might be different. As we approach 10 seasons in a row without a postseason victory, the fan base’s expectation might simply be a playoff win. In order to reach these goals the Steelers have questions to answer. That’s what I’m here to present.
With Minkah Fitzpatrick gone, there is no clear cut option as to who replaces him. At this time, it sounds like Teryl Austin will experiment with some different guys in different situations. It could be Jalen Ramsey if the team is in base defense. It could be Juan Thornhill in nickel and heck, it could even be Cory Trice, Jr.
In my world, having a single, versatile all-around free safety is usually the best option. Mike Tomlin knows far more about football than I do so clearly he’s content with “finding” the right guy there. NFL coaches however are pretty smart and pretty creative. They will see the pattern of how the Steelers are using which guy and when and they’ll plan for that. If the rotation is how they proceed, can Austin match wits with the guy across the field?
With Julian Blackmon likely headed to the Saints today, the pool of available candidates has shrunk. As Camps continue and injuries mount, it will shrink even more.
It’s been the biggest offensive question for two seasons now and it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. Despite WR Coach Zach Azzanni saying that Calvin Austin III is the #2 right now, we’re told that Roman Wilson is pushing him. The problem here is that neither of these guys are true “number two receivers.” Wilson is more capable as a blocker than is CAIII but that’s not saying a lot considering Austin’s small and light stature.
Robert Woods is the “veteran presence” in the locker room and may ultimately be the guy who starts out there. He’s a solid blocker and has great experience but he’s also 33 years old. Much of this is considered a moot point however in Arthur Smith’s offense.
Smith relies heavily on 12 and 13 personnel which takes a receiver off the field and replaces him with a tight end. With D.K. Metcalf on one side, Smith will likely use Wilson or CAIII in motion rather than as a traditional number two. Could Omar Khan still go out and find someone? Of course. Jauan Jennings and Terry McLaurin both have contract issues and I’m sure Khan has placed calls.
My best guess is that once we get through a week or two of practice we will find out if Tomlin is content or not.
The future Hall of Famer has made clear this is likely it for him. One final season...
