4 major changes the Steelers must make before Week 2

3. Steelers need to get the rookies involved

To be fair, I was fully expecting the Steelers rookie class to take a backseat in this first game. Broderick Jones couldn’t beat out Dan Moore for a starting role and the team appeared to have some more reserved plans for Joey Porter.

That said, the group as a whole was completely quiet. Benton was used less than a player like Adams along the line, and that made his chances of making an impact less likely. Darnell Washington was arguably the biggest contributor, and it wasn’t for his receiving ability. He was a mauling blocker that showed up on tape.

I’m shocked with how this team handled Porter in week one. No, it wasn’t a surprise to see Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace play a lot, but with Desmond King not playing, the Steelers slot position was wide open. Instead of moving Peterson there as what was teased to get Porter on the field, they didn’t, leaving the rookie on the bench.

Had the cornerback play been sound this would have been one thing, but they weren’t. Wallace was very hit-or-miss and he gave up quite a few big plays. Peterson was better overall, but he also gave up two touchdowns in this game.

The rookies need to get on the field more. This team was pathetic and needs some sort of a change this week. Everyone from this rookie class looked like a legitimate star at times, but no one was given a good chance to make an impact. The rookies need to get more involved moving forward.