The Steelers had some players display bad performances against Seattle and they need to have a big bounce game in Week 2 of the preseason.
The Steelers had a lot of interesting things occur during their first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. The win was exciting that saw two offenses put on a show against some less than stellar defensive units. Both offenses were able to move the ball well all game, no matter who was at quarterback.
Most people wanted to see how the black and gold’s signal callers played, and all three did some good things. Different players had their own positives and negatives exposed in their individual games. Those that performed poorly will need to have a bounce-back performance in game two of the preseason.
Pittsburgh will be heading down to the sunshine state as the club gets ready to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. It should be a fun game that sees players get tested under the hot and humid weather of Florida. These players will be put to the test and these specific guys will need to show out to get in the coach’s good graces.
Kendrick Green might have missed his starting opportunity
Kendrick Green had about a week without Kevin Dotson breathing down his neck for the starting left guard spot. Dotson was dealing with an injury and missed all the practices and the entire game as well. That put him behind the eight ball in the fight for this starting job, but Green had a door open due to Dotson’s misfortune.
The problem was Green really did not take advantage of his opportunity. It is becoming more obvious as each week passes that he cannot handle the strength of many NFL defensive linemen. He will continue to be in the heat of this battle with Dotson but expect Green to lose this if Dotson stays healthy. Green needs to show consistency and the ability to handle basic bull rushes and power moves to get better in this league.
Devin Bush/Robert Spillane need to separate themselves as the starter
Devin Bush might have played one of his worst games as a professional during his time in the NFL. The Steelers should be getting frustrated with the lack of care he seems to neglect to show without any positive contributions on the football field. He looked lazy during the game and seems like he has zero confidence in himself anymore. He needs to show the coaching staff something or he could get replaced by Robert Spillane as the starter.
Spillane has been having a solid training camp thus far, but he did not have a banner game either. All the inside linebackers (besides Myles Jack) had bad performances all around. This is a position that needs to have one of their linebackers emerge as the starter soon or they might be forced to try and find a solution that is currently outside the organization.
Derrek Tuszka needs to show more of a pass rush
Derrek Tuszka had a solid conclusion to the season last year and many figured that he would make this roster easily. He has not been terrific in camp, but he does not have to be as he is going to be the bottom-of-the-roster outside linebacker. You could do better at your fourth-string player at the position, but it would be hard to find that right now.
Things are lining up for him and Genard Avery to become the backup guys behind the two starters on the edge. It could get interesting if other players behind them start producing at a higher rate. Right now, everyone is coasting, but things will become tighter as the cut-down day to get to just 53 players gets closer.
Depth at tackle is still a major concern for the Steelers
Depth at offensive tackle has continued to be an issue for the Steelers. Joe Haeg looked decent in his outing against the Seahawks, but other players looked to be bear hugging the opposition often. Chaz Green is suffering some injuries now, so hopefully, he will be able to go for the second game.
Green would probably be the fourth-best tackle on paper for the Steelers, even though he has not done anything special in camp thus far. This position might be one that gets addressed after players get released after cut-down day. That might be the best course of action now.
The Steelers were able to emerge victorious in game one of the preseason, but they had some bad performances. These players need to take a step forward if they want a better role on this team.