The Regular Season is Upon Us
The Steelers wrapped up the preseason with a 24-0 win against the Atlanta Falcons.
It’s taking everything in me to not scream to the rooftops that the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be the 2023 Super Bowl Champions.
That is a strong and emotional overreaction to the Steelers dismantling of the Falcons backups. And yet, it doesn’t seem like that much of a reach to me.
The Steelers wrapped up the preseason Thursday Night against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, picking up the dub 24-0. Let’s take a look at how all three phases have been performing ahead of roster cuts next week, on Tuesday, August 29th.
Offense
How much more clever shit can I come up with to articulate how good this offense has been this preseason? Kenny Pickett continued his near-perfect streak he has been on this preseason. He played in two series, completing 4/4 passes for 86 yards, including two absolutely beautiful deep balls to Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, respectively. I am aware that it was the Falcons backups (it showed in a real way) but he is displaying a confidence and a strong grasp of the offense, including the tendencies of the Steelers’ skill players. Kenny P. looks like a guy that is prepared to take a significant leap. I think this offense is going to be in the top third of the league this year.
At this point, if you can’t see that George Pickens and Diontae Johnson are really good at football, you just don’t know ball.
Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Anthony McFarland Jr. all had really strong showings in this football game. It was nice to see Najee have some good runs after a lot of the noise being made by Steelers Nation lately. Ant Mac probably secured his roster spot as our RB3 with a very nice 31 yard run, as well as a strong run for a touchdown, showing both strength and speed in this game. Also, how about Conner Heyward taking some snaps at RB? That dude is a certified baller.
I didn’t hear much, if anything, about Kendrick Green, which is probably a good thing. I hope that wasn’t enough to secure a roster spot. It’s probably time to move on from him.
Defense
Most of our defensive starters got some snaps yesterday. It was a dominant performance from the opening snap. It was so awesome to see TJ Watt get to the QB. I have missed that desperately.
We didn’t get to see Cameron Heyward, who is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. He should be good to go by our first game against the 49ers in Pittsburgh on September 10th.
One thing I was keeping my eye on in Thursday’s game was the battle for slot corner between Chandon Sullivan and Elijah Riley. We didn’t hear either of their names much, which is great given the position they play. Chandon Sullivan had a nice batted pass on a CB blitz a la Mike Hilton, which was cool to see.
When we make roster cuts next week, I'll be looking for both of those names. Personally, I’d like to see both gentlemen in Steelers uniforms come week one.
Another name I’ll be interested in seeing when we release our 53-man roster is safety Trenton Thompson. That dude comes in like a MISSILE to make tackles. Our depth at safety has been a blessing this preseason.
ILB has been fun to watch all preseason, as well. Mark Robinson, Cole Holcomb, and Elandon Roberts all made strong cases for themselves to make the roster.
Special Teams
If this preseason was any indication of how good the regular season is going to be, this special team group is going to be elite this year. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been this excited about our return game. Having Calvin Austin III to return kicks for us is something this team has missed for a long time. That dude is special.
Also, our special team’s coverage against returns has been great all preseason. Even when it seemed like the Falcons might get loose last night, there were always guys in position and not allowing those holes to open up. I cannot wait to see that big ass smile on our special team coordinator's face when Calvin Austin III breaks one this year. Get your gum ready Danny Smith.
Guys, we fuckin made it. Regular season football is upon us. LET’S MOTHER FUCKIN GO!!! I’ll see yinz at roster cuts.
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