Shortly before their first preseason game, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they had signed veteran offensive lineman Andrus Peat. That name likely rings a bell to even casual fans.
Peat is a former first-round pick of the Saints. While it took him a few seasons to find his footing, Peat eventually established himself as a Pro Bowl player. He did this despite not having a natural position.
Peat saw most of his work at left guard, but his tackle experience in college allowed him to kick out to left tackle when needed. Even during his best stretch of seasons, he recorded starts at multiple positions, showcasing both his talent and versatility.
For the Steelers, this seems like a match made in heaven. Having an accomplished and talented depth piece at both tackle and guard is just what the doctor ordered. However, after his first showing against the Jaguars, Peat’s time with the Steelers may be short-lived.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need better play out of Andrus Peat
While expecting the great player that Peat was in his past is a reach given his age, the expectation should be that Peat can contribute as a potential swing tackle and backup guard. That was his role a year ago with the Raiders, and while his play wasn’t exceptional, the sample size wasn’t big.
While his play has been in a general decline, injuries have been a bigger concern. As a reserve, though, that fear is relieved slightly due to what his expected role will be. However, if his play doesn’t improve, he won’t even sniff the roster.
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While it was a short turnaround for Peat, you would expect a veteran of his caliber to have played better against the Jaguars' backups. His struggles weren’t unique to him; the entire backup line was pitiful, but his most notable impact was a penalty he committed. Not good for a new face hoping to stick to the roster.
Unless Peat’s play turns around, the Steelers will have to keep their eyes peeled on cutdown day for some upgrades to their depth. The hope was that Peat could settle into that role and even serve as the top backup tackle, but he needs to prove that he is worth a roster spot before we can pencil him in there.
It wasn’t the debut you wanted to see from the veteran in Peat, and if he can’t get his play to a respectable level, his time in Pittsburgh will be short. It was just one game, but the results were ugly for such an established veteran.