With the Steelers set to play their first preseason game against the Seahawks, here are five bold predictions for what could happen in the exhibition.
The Steelers open their first preseason game against the Seahawks, and while the end results are relatively meaningless, performances will impact the remainder of the preseason. For some, this is their best opportunity at making an impact. Here are five bold predictions for the Steelers as they officially open their season against Seattle.
Steelers get something from Austin
One of the enigmas from Pittsburgh’s training camp so far has been rookie receiver Calvin Austin. While he has flashed some of his elite speed, he hasn’t been overly consistent as of yet. Add in his size and questions about what his role will ultimately be, and many are excited to see the Memphis product in action.
While not his natural calling, I think Austin’s biggest impact is as a returner for the team in this first showing. While Gunner Olszewski was brought in for that role, I think Austin’s quickest impact for the team could come there given his athleticism. He should have an opportunity in this first game to show off his return-man chops.
All in all, I think he does well. No touchdown, unfortunately, but I do think he takes a punt or kick into the opposing territory. In what is turning out to be a fierce receiver training camp battle, Austin showing up as a returner is huge. Not so much for his roster concerns (he is very safe), but for Olszewski’s. If Austin can connect as a returner, it could have big roster implications.
McFarland is the best of the Steelers running backs
One of the bigger roster question marks is what the Steelers will have behind starting running back Najee Harris. While there is little question as to what role Harris will have with the team, a capable backup is required. The team seems content to use what they have, and as a result, someone needs to stand out in this first game.
While he is entering his third season and has had almost no success as a pro, I think Anthony McFarland has the best outing out of all of the backs. For starters, he has experience in the system, which should help. As well, his speed can be hard to match up against. While Benny Snell will see the majority of the early touches, I think McFarland pops with his speed.
A name I really wanted to put here was Jaylen Warren. The undrafted free agent has popped in camp, and I really like his tape. That said, I don’t think this line will do him many favors, and with his athletic limitations, I think he underwhelms. While I think McFarland has the best chance to succeed, somebody needs to step up from this group.
Rudolph continues the narrative for Steelers quarterbacks
While it has been hard to gauge, most seem to agree that the most consistent quarterback amongst the Steelers trio of options has been veteran Mason Rudolph. While not flashy, Rudolph has consistently had the best practices even if he hasn’t hit the heights of some of the other names in the battle. I fully believe that narrative will continue into this first preseason game.
Mitchell Trubisky will get the first nod, which makes sense given his contract and likelihood of being the team’s answer for week one. Kenny Pickett will round out the game as the third quarterback off the bench. Sandwiched in-between will be Rudolph, who is entering his fourth preseason with the team. I think we see a lot of the same from the quarterbacks in this first game.
I think Trubisky will have a big play or two, but I also believe he will make a few mistakes. Meanwhile, Pickett should look solid against the third-string defense, but I expect a few rookie errors to be present as well. Rudolph may not play a lot, but I expect crisp and clean throws from him. No, he isn’t exciting, but don’t be surprised if he has the best, and at least most consistent, showing from this group.
Steelers continue to see Bush struggle
There may not be more riding on a starter in this first preseason game than Devin Bush. Entering the final season of his contract, no one is expecting a sudden turnaround for the former top-ten pick. That said, almost everyone has labeled him as the starter opposite of Myles Jack due to his pedigree and lack of a more likely name to start instead.
Insert Robert Spillane, whose stock is soaring for the team right now after having multiple strong practices in camp. Bush, meanwhile, has seemingly continued to struggle in practice and hasn’t looked like he is ready to pick up where he left off before his injury. Spillane seems to be gaining ground, and this first game will likely be critical for both players.
Unfortunately, I think Bush continues to struggle. Practice is a time when an athletic freak like him should thrive. The fact that he isn’t is alarming. Spillane is far from a great linebacker, but if he can be a consistent partner to Jack, it may be worthwhile to start him. I’m really starting to fade Bush, and I’m guessing his struggles continue into the preseason.
Pickens has a quiet day for the Steelers
The hottest name from Steelers training camp and it isn’t close. Since the first day, reports have come out of George Pickens dominating in drills and in practice. Like most, I am extremely high on the second-round pick, and I believe the Steelers got a steal with him being a second-round pick. That said, I think this first preseason game cools him off a little bit.
Assuming he stays healthy, expect Pickens to see a lot of burn in this first game. Add in his expectations, which seem sky high right now, and many are expecting a dominant performance from the rookie. Instead, I think he lays a bit of an egg and leaves most people wanting more. A few miscommunications, low stats, and a drop leave many with a sour taste in their mouth after watching him.
I do think he has his moments, specifically via a deep pass from Rudolph in the second quarter and a third-down conversion from Pickett in the third. Those that are expecting him to light it up right away though come away upset from his first game. No, that doesn’t mean he is a flop and won’t do anything as a rookie. Instead, it means he may need a little bit more seasoning before he develops into the star that he looks like.
While there will be plenty of time for every player to improve or worsen their stock after this first preseason game, be on the lookout for winners and losers from this game. While bold predictions this early is hard to truly hammer down, this is how I see the first game shaking out.