The Pittsburgh Steelers began their preseason campaign in Tampa Bay and wasted no time getting things going on both sides of the ball.
The Steelers found plenty of winners, from Kenny Pickett leading the offence to a first-drive score to late-round rookies displaying their dominance late in the game.
This was as good a start as they could get to the Steelers exhibition series, with lots to think about when they return to Saint Vincent College.
QB Kenny Pickett
Pickett only played one series, but he looked far more at ease than he did in any game last season. The second-year quarterback had a whole summer to work with his wideouts and re-establish the connection that was missing last year.
Throughout the film, that connection leaped off the screen. His chemistry with Diontae Johnson was clear right away, as he completed three throws for 32 yards. He then connected with George Pickens for a 33-yard touchdown.
His pocket presence was greater, and his ability to throw on the run seemed to have improved. Pickett had a strong preseason debut, despite seeing minimal play.
WR George Pickens
This season, George Pickens’ objective was to add a catch-and-run aspect to his repertoire. He and wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson worked on Pickens’ release before training camp, enabling him to catch a slant and “take it 60.”
Pickens began the game with a 33-yard score after collecting it over the middle, dodging a tackler, and carrying it to the house.
Pickens seems to be on the verge of becoming a superstar this season, and he has wasted no time in beginning to construct that résumé.
Diontae Johnson, Wide Receiver
Last season, Diontae Johnson lacked a connection with his quarterback. He never connected with Mitch Trubisky and was too fast for Kenny Pickett’s route running.
This year, he had a whole summer with Pickett to create that connection, which has been quite beneficial. Pickett seemed confidence in his receivers, but Johnson appeared certain that his quarterback would find him on his breaks.
Johnson is still perhaps the finest route runner in the NFL. With Pickens claiming the big plays, the Steelers’ second-year quarterback will have an easier time.
LB Kwon Alexander
After Kwon Alexander’s first few days of practise, Mike Tomlin described him as a “whoa” player, meaning he was always trying to hit people, create plays, and do whatever he could to affect a game.
This was instantly apparent during the team’s first preseason game.
Alexander ended with two tackles, both at or behind the line of scrimmage. He continues to show off his run-stopping ability, diving into the backfield to stop Buccaneers runners and even spotting a screen pass to stop it at the line (but was called for the hit).
Alexander was the Steelers’ best inside linebacker in their first preseason game, and it wasn’t because Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb were limited. Holcomb played nearly the same number of snaps as Holcomb but was less noteworthy.
If the current trend continues, Alexander may find himself with a starting role in Pittsburgh.
RB Anthony McFarland
Anthony McFarland may have cemented the Steelers’ RB3 slot after bursting for 18 yards and a touchdown in the preseason opener, beginning his night with a 14-yard score on his second drive.
McFarland has been impressive all summer, but he must continue to play in preseason. After departing Tampa Bay, Mr. July seems to have become Mr. August, as the fourth-year runner is sharper in all facets of offence.
If he continues this up, no other runner will be able to beat him out for the last roster place.
DL Keanu Benton
The Steelers’ defensive line struggled early on, unable to stop the run or get any penetration against the Buccaneers. That changed when Keanu Benton joined the fray.
The Steelers’ defensive line triumvirate of Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and DeMarvin Leal was the best on the field all night. Starting with Benton, the bunch was able to slash through Tampa Bay’s offensive line, with their most famous play coming on a fourth-and-one.
On many occasions, the second-year player cut his way through the line, and if you watch the film again, he defeats the guard/center on practically every snap for two straight series.
Unfortunately, Benton’s night was cut short by an ankle injury. The severity of the injury will have a significant effect, but if the rookie is able to recover fast, he should swiftly surpass Montrevius Adams and Breiden Fehoko on the depth chart.
Calvin Austin, Wide Receiver
Calvin Austin, welcome to the NFL. It had been a long time coming for the second-year wideout, but he finally made his NFL debut, and it was well worth the wait.
Austin began his night with a 17-yard jet sweep, which was followed by a six-yard rush. Then he did what he does best, going behind the defence for Mason Rudolph’s 67-yard bomb that hit the endzone.
Austin demonstrated why the Steelers like this talented receiver. He’s lightning quick and can play both inside and outside. They’ve been testing him all summer to see how excellent he is on long routes, and it paid off when he got a chance in a real game.
Austin has the potential to be a key contributor to the team’s offence, and his solid start should enhance the coaches’ trust in the second-year player.
CB Elijah Riley
Elijah Riley and Chandon Sullivan were locked in a struggle for the team’s nickelback position heading into the preseason opener. Riley may have the upper hand heading out of Tampa Bay, closing the night with two tackles, one on special teams and another off the edge for a tackle for loss.
Riley’s blitzing ability thrills the Steelers, and his first-half rush around the corner to chase down a runner was precisely what he needed to cement his spot on the squad.
LB Nick Herbig
Nick Herbig didn’t enter the game until the second half, but once there, the fourth-round rookie stole the show.
There was some fear that a hip flexor injury acquired during training camp would keep Herbig out of the game, but the gameplan must have been for Herbig to receive repetitions late in the game among other backups like Keeanu Benton and DeMarvin Leal.
Herbig was dominating from the start, with 1.5 sacks and three tackles in the second half alone.
Herbig has dominated training camp, excelling practically every day the squad on the pitch. Everything we saw in practise carried over into real action, with his burst being unstoppable and his handwork being solid.
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