Pittsburgh Steelers camp notes: It’s almost time for the ‘Turk’
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the backend of their preseason campaign, and it’s just about time for players to start stepping up or stepping out at Steelers camp.
Heading into the Steelers’ third preseason game – looking ahead, with two games left in the preseason, the opportunity for the players to make their marks towards their career goals while avoiding the “Turk” cannot be overstated. Camp Tomlin produced the grit and drive necessary with individuals single focus that saw a lot of the young players step up to challenge each other and the established veterans for positions.
Offense
On offense the starters in each of these categories (QB’s, RB’s and the WR’s) will not be challenged outside of wide receiver, James Washington, pushing for that third receiver spot. His camp has been very good and his one game experienced showed his potential. I would like to see more separation on his routes even though he is battle tested with contested balls in the air.
As for the backup competition at each position, you can ink in Jones & Rudolph with the QB’s, Connors, Toussaint with the last spot between, Samuels and Ridley at running back looking to get a helmet. However, the biggest battle to get helmets for the season is with the receivers that have realistically six players trying to lay claim to three helmets. Eli Rogers, Justin Hunter, Darrius Heyward- Bey, Quadree Henderson, Marcus Tucker, Damoun Patterson are the front runners.
Typical camp sensation Justin Hunter doing his thing, and one game sensation Damoun Patterson following suit. If I had to pick right now, the three that gives the Steelers the best experience, versatility and talent, that would be Heyward-Bey, Justin Hunter and Marcus Tucker, who has shown well on special teams and can play the slot.
With Rogers out for awhile we need the backup in the slot that Tuckers quickness can bring. The o-line is well, the o-line which is one of the best in the NFL, but I would like to see a little stronger depth with this unit. The remaining preseason will surly test what may amount to our JV with a few of the varsity participating and will give a chance to the young players to build upon last weeks game. The offense had a couple of explosive plays last week but the overall run game suffered from inexperienced linemen just getting their feet wet.