5 Steelers all fans must watch vs Panthers in final preseason game

WR/PR Matthew Sexton

If there’s one player who hasn’t received enough recognition for his accomplishments this summer for the Steelers, it might be Matthew Sexton. If the name doesn’t ring a bell for you, this might be because Sexton, a former undrafted wide receiver, doesn’t have a single reception in the preseason this year and has garnered just one target in his direction, according to ESPN.

However, don’t let his lack of offensive production fool you, Sexton has a niche – and it’s a special one. Through three exhibition games this summer, Sexton has averaged a remarkable 29.3 yards per punt return.

Granted, this is a small sample size (just three returns) but the fact that he has given his team excellent starting field position with his speed and quickness has to make the Steelers stop and think. This time last year, many were thinking that Ryan Switzer was going to make the team over Ray-Ray McCloud, but that didn’t prove to be the case.

While McCloud certainly has a leg up on the competition right now, Sexton may give himself a shot a cracking the roster with another excellent performance on special teams. It will be interesting to see what he brings against the Panthers.