4 takeaways from Steelers preseason win vs Eagles

Isaiahh Loudermilk could be ready to carve out a role as a rookie

The Steelers really like this kid, and I’m beginning to see why. Trading back into the 2021 NFL Draft and giving up future draft capital to take defensive lineman left me scratching my head at the time, but Isaiahh Loudermilk hasn’t disappointed. In fact, he did just the opposite on Thursday night.

I wasn’t always paying careful attention to Loudermilk along the defensive line as there was so much to watch, but I found myself starting to narrow in on him at times. Loudermilk isn’t just a big defensive lineman with a 6’6” frame, he’s really got some talent.

Against the Eagles, he could be seen shedding blocks, stopping the run, interpreting passing lanes, getting his hands on the football, and even knifing past an offensive lineman for a half-sack he shared with fellow rookie, Quincy Roche.

With such good depth along the interior defensive line, Loudermilk wasn’t expected to do much during his rookie season. However, if he keeps playing like this, Pittsburgh may just need to make him part of the permanent rotation. I’m interested to watch him grow.

There will be plenty more to assess once I do a deeper dive back into the game, but these are four things that really stood out to me in Pittsburgh’s win over Philadelphia on Thursday night.