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Pittsburgh Steelers preseason : The good, the bad and the ugly

By Scott Sinclair

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 16: Brett Hundley #7 of the Green Bay Packers is brought down by Morgan Burnett #42 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 16: Brett Hundley #7 of the Green Bay Packers is brought down by Morgan Burnett #42 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter of a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 09: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs past Kamu Grugier-Hill #54 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 9, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 09: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs past Kamu Grugier-Hill #54 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 9, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

The Pittsburgh Steelers first two preseason games have been a study in contrast. Against the Eagles there was a lot of positives to be gleaned. Against the Packers, there was much to be concerned about.

While it’s true that we shouldn’t read too much into preseason, there are still some things to be pleased about. It’s also clear there are some concerns.

The Good

James Washington

Washington is making a clear and uncontested case to be the third receiver in this offense and will have an immediate impact. While he still needs to work on his separation, he has shown enough athletic ability to become a major force for Randy Fictner’s offensive schemes. Washington already has Steeler fans asking ‘Martavis Who?’

James Conner

Conner looks like a totally different back from last year. He is running with power and confidence. Conner is firmly entrenched as the backup to Le’Veon Bell and if he continues his solid play into the season will be the feature back in 2019.

Daniel McCullers

I had McCullers on the outside looking in, but the light seems to have gone on for him. He’s battling not just for a backup spot, but the starting nose tackle slot.  At 6-7 and 345 he is more of a natural for the position than  Javon Hargrave and has been given a new lease on life from new d-line coach Karl Dunbar.

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