With training camp opening for the Steelers this week, here are five bold predictions for what may occur with the team.
Training camp is almost here, and the Steelers have a lot of exciting battles and matchups to watch. While the team already knows who will and won’t be starting, there are still some players on the fence that will make this camp worth watching. With so many possible outcomes, here are five bold predictions for the Steelers training camp in 2022.
Steelers prediction #1
Steelers have an open battle at return man
While not a heavily talked about battle, the Steelers seem to have quite a few options that could take the field as a return man in 2021. After losing Ray-Ray McCloud in free agency, the team was quick to find a potential replacement in Gunner Olszewski. The former Patriot is an accomplished special teamer all around and is the most obvious pick for who should win this job.
That said, there are quite a few names that could also make sense. While he wasn’t accomplished at it in school, Calvin Austin has the speed and change of direction ability to thrive as a return man. Odds are his offensive contributions are slow as he gets acclimated to the pro game, but punt returns could help him see the field early. Anthony McFarland is entering a critical camp, so he may try and latch on as a returner as well. Even a name like Anthony Miller could fill in here.
While not the most important position on the field, having a stable return game is important to an offense’s success. Olszewski is the obvious favorite, but there may end up being flashier options that make more sense for this team. Don’t be surprised to see this battle heat up once camp opens.