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Steelers stock rising/falling after ugly season opener

By Brandon Kring

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots shake hands after the Patriots defeated the Steelers 33-3 at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots shake hands after the Patriots defeated the Steelers 33-3 at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after a 14 yard touchdown reception in the first half during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after a 14 yard touchdown reception in the first half during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Mark Barron: stock – down

The Steelers signed Mark Barron to help bring in more speed at the linebacker position in the off-season. Pairing him with Devin Bush was intended to bring better match-up scenarios in sub package football.

Barron failed to stand out at all and seemed very nonchalant in his defense. The play that stood out the most to me was a motion by James White, who Barron was shadowing all night, where he seemingly jogged down the line and lagged behind White.

The Steelers will need a better sense of urgency from him moving forward. I have no doubts in his ability, but you would like to see him move quicker to keep up with his assignments.

Donte Moncrief: stock – down

Moncrief was another free agent signing that was brought in to help revamp the receiver room. He was thought to be the number two and played as such through camp and the preseason.

James Washington has gunned for the job ever since, and after tonight, the Steelers would be wise to give him the bulk of the snaps between the two moving forward. Washington has been the better receiver since the signing, point-blank.

Moncrief had a night riddled with drops and miscues. The team needs its receivers to step up behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, or the team will be in for a long year.

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