The Steelers have exceeded almost everyone’s expectations through eight games. For the longest time, this team could barely muster an offense and would win these slim, low-scoring games. That is no longer the case this season, as Pittsburgh has seen their offense consistently do well and the defense has played its part in helping this team to this record.
With today being Halloween, there certainly seems to be a lot of goodies in the Steelers bag of candy, as the team as a whole is playing well. That said, I wanted to highlight three names that have exceeded what most thought they would be. While harder to find, two players are tricks this year, as their poor play has been disappointing.
Steelers treat: Chris Boswell
No one went into the season doubting Chris Boswell. While he has had the occasional stretch of bad play, Boswell has proven in recent years to be one of the most consistent overall talented kickers in the league. This isn’t a matter of finding out that he is good, but instead cementing himself as the best kicker in the league.
So far, Boswell has nailed 23 of 24 field goals and has yet to miss an extra point. These aren’t all chip-shot field goals either, as Boswell has hit from over 50 yards numerous times. Considering the struggles that Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has had this year, it isn’t a question right now: Boswell is the best kicker in the league.
Not only this, but his 23 field goals have been critical to the success of this team this year. While the offense is an improved beast, it is still struggling to find the end zone. It is a great comfort to know that you have the ever-capable Boswell at the ready to clean things up if needed. He is playing on another level this year and is a huge reason this team is 6-2.
Steelers trick: Patrick Queen
As mentioned, there aren’t a lot of players that are playing objectively badly right now. Both sides of the team are humming, and even some of the slacking players from earlier this year are catching up with their big plays. This is a good problem to have.
In a similar vein, Patrick Queen is slowly catching up from a poor start to the season. He was never a liability, but his coverage and run defense were bad early on. He seems more comfortable right now though, and his play has ticked in the right direction. That said, considering the investment the team made in him, you still have to be a little disappointed.
The hope was for Queen to be that stellar three-down linebacker and core communicator. I haven’t seen it yet. Payton Wilson and Elandon Roberts have both outshined him at times, which isn’t acceptable given the contract that he is on. Again, he isn’t a disaster, but Queen hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations that came with his new contract.
Steelers treat: DeShon Elliott
DeShon Elliott may go down as one of the most underrated signings of the Steelers in recent years. Inked to a moderate contract early in free agency, the hope was Elliott to provide some steady play as a box-strong safety who offered a little more versatility than Terrell Edmunds provided during his time here.
He has been all of that and then some. From the first week, Elliott was making statements left and right. From his interception in the first game of the season to consistently being a sound and sturdy tackler, there have been next to no weaknesses in his game so far. Outside of the Dallas game, Elliott has been playing at an extremely high level.
Expectations weren’t low for the veteran, but I don’t think anyone expected him to blow up as he has. He was arguably the best defender for the team in the first quarter of the season, and while he has leveled out a bit he is still playing at a high level. The Steelers made a great move bringing him into this defense.
Steelers trick: Broderick Jones
The lone exception to the “everyone is playing well” mantra, former first-round pick Broderick Jones has been a disaster in year two. The issues started early, as he looked bad in the preseason, and while he can make the occasional good play, it hasn’t been enough so far. He has been a liability on a line that has performed well so far this year.
It was so bad that he was set to be benched by fellow first-round pick Troy Fautanu. That never materialized because of his season-ending injury earlier in the year. This has forced Jones to remain at right tackle, and the results have not looked good. He wracks up so many penalties and whiffs on a lot of blocks.
While moving him back and forth hasn’t helped his career, simply switching him to the left side isn’t a complete solution either. He is playing a bad brand of football, and at this point, his starting job could be on the line with Dylan Cook healthy. He’s easily been the worst starter for the team, and one has to wonder what this team would look like with even marginally better right tackle play.
Steelers treat: Dan Moore
On the flip side of things, it is officially time to give Dan Moore his flowers. For the past three years, he has been the butt of many jokes as this offensive line was rebuilt. Now though, he is the last one laughing, as he has been the most consistent offensive lineman for the team and, considering the health of everyone, the best lineman overall.
It hasn’t been a fluke either. He looks more comfortable in this system than before, and the offense is functioning as it should so he gets to show off his run blocking, which has always been the stronger part of his game. While he isn’t playing at the highest of levels like he was early in the season, he is still exceeding everyone’s expectations of him.
No, he hasn’t been elite, but he has played extremely well through eight games. Considering most expected him to be benched this season, you have to hand it to Moore. It took a few seasons, but he has finally become a quality starting tackle in this league, and he should be rewarded with a new deal next year.