5 things we learned from Steelers preseason game vs. the Chiefs
By Edward Hunt
What role will Mark Barron play?
Mark Barron had a good night for the Steelers. He had good coverage on the running back on the first third down of the night. Overall, he played decent team defense.
It is still unclear the role Mark Barron will play. I do think sitting Devin Bush is a sign that he proved himself and that Mark Barron is playing to be a situational linebacker. I think he is the best inside linebacker they have in coverage.
What makes sense to me as far as a role is that he plays in the dime and in the nickel. I like his coverage skills over a thumper like Vince Williams. In any case, the Steelers have three starter capable inside linebackers and all of them are an upgrade over Jon Bostic.
Final thoughts:
I came away from the Chiefs came less encouraged than I did against the Bucs. I think the turnovers were really a turn-off. However, there are still a lot of encouraging signs about this team.
The defense looks as good as they have in a while. James Washington is coming into his own in the past two games and they have three quarterbacks behind Ben Roethlisberger that have potential.
Another thing that I am encouraged by is Chris Boswell’s kicking. He has made every field goal and extra point this preseason. The kicking game was a big weakness with this team last year and it could be a strength in 2019.
Next. Updated Steelers 53-man roster prediction entering week 3 of preseason. dark
The theme I will be looking for in the third game is ball security. Diontae Johnson has to be better with the ball. He has a lot of talent and I loved his route running, but he fumbled a punt.To go along with that, he also almost dropped a touchdown catch because he didn’t secure the ball better. Overall, I hope that Ben’s entrance in the third game will stop the offensive turnovers.