3 Steelers players who must step up their game vs Lions this week

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to play their third exhibition game, but these three players must show improvement on Saturday night. 

For the most part, I’ve been impressed with what Pittsburgh’s young players have been able to do in their first two exhibition games of the summer. After the defense put on a show against the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game, the offense started to come alive against the Eagles last week.

Unfortunately, there are a few players who really need to step up their game in the preseason. While these players have looked good at times during training camp, the results haven’t been spectacular so far in exhibition action. Here are three players who must step up their performances against the Lions this Saturday night:

Steelers C Kendrick Green

I don’t dislike Kendrick Green. Though Wisconsin-Whitewater center, Quinn Meinerz, seemed like the easy choice in the third round at the time the Steelers were on the clock, Pittsburgh went with the incredibly mobile Green. The former defensive tackle recruit is lightning fast off the ball and has flashed the ability to pull and get the second level with ease, but he really needs to clean a few things up on the field.

For starters, Green has missed a few key blocks in space so far. These could have just been due to a mental lapse in his assignment. However, the biggest issue comes with his ability to anchor in pass protection. Green has been walked back into the pocket several times already in the preseason – one of which against the Eagles resulted in a sack allowed.

Green might be the best option the Steelers have at center, but they can’t have the middle of their offensive line caving in. He needs to hold up better in pass protection. Green earned a respectable grade overall, but a few bad plays like that can stall offensive drives.