The Steelers are rapidly approaching their second preseason game, and the roster is slowly starting to take shape. While there is still a lot of time between now and the start of the season, the first game was a telling sign of the outlook of this roster.
While everyone is trying to prove something still, these five players, in particular, have the most to prove during this second game. For some of them, they flashed good play in week one and need to build off of that. For others, their first game was lacking and they need to play better. These five Steelers have the most to prove during the second week of the preseason.
Steelers may have something in Nick Herbig
It was no secret that I was skeptical of the Nick Herbig selection since it was made in the draft. I feel like his size was an issue, as edge rushers that small have struggled at the pro level. While there has been talk about him moving inside, the team seemed content to keep Herbig at edge right now.
That appears to be the right move, as Herbig has been one of the biggest winners of the offseason so far. He was one of the better performers in camp, consistently beating tackles off the edge with his speed and pass-rush plans. Even with those strong practices, I still had my doubts about Herbig as an edge rusher.
That changed against the Buccaneers, as Herbig was one of the winners of the game. He continued to show his elite burst off the edge and wracked up multiple sacks in his debut. While it was against backups, Herbig continued his strong play into the first game.
Even if the sacks don’t remain consistent, seeing his burst and speed continue to shine will add to the idea that Herbig can cut it out on the edge. I will happily admit I am wrong if that is the case. Herbig could easily build a role for himself on defense if he continues his strong play.
Steelers played Spencer Anderson everywhere
While it was no secret that Spencer Anderson was a versatile player coming out of college, I am shocked that he has continued that trend so early in his career. Even if a player was uber-versatile in school, teams will typically focus that player on one position initially in their career. That couldn’t be farther from the case with Anderson though.
He has been playing multiple roles in practice, and that trend continued during the first preseason game. Anderson saw snaps at both guard spots as well as right tackle. While that may not seem significant on paper, it really is a marvel that he played all over the place in a single game.
While versatile players can sub in at multiple positions at any given moment, it is rare for a player to move around that much in a singular game. While it is only preseason, the Steelers were comfortable with allowing Anderson to give it a try at multiple different spots all in one game.
Even better was the fact that Anderson held his own. Was he elite? No, but a player that specializes in multiple positions rarely is. Anderson did more than enough to propel his odds forward, as he played fine as both a tackle and a guard.
As we head into the second preseason game for the team, I want to see Anderson continue to play well at multiple spots. If he has a repeat game, he will be one step closer to locking down a roster spot. Anderson has been everything as advertised so far, and he should continue to see his stock go up if his versatility continues to shine through.
Kendrick Green is losing his steam with the Steelers
While the first two names on this list have the opportunity to better their roster spots and roles, Kendrick Green is another story. This offseason was shaping itself up to be one of redemption for Green in Pittsburgh. There was a chance that he would become a viable member of the offense.
It started early on, as Green was taking snaps as the backup center early in training camp for this team. Reports were that he looked more comfortable and capable in that reserve role. Add in the obvious need for a backup center and there was a real case to be made for Green cementing himself as a top backup.
Then, the fun really began, as Green was being used as an oversized fullback. That idea had always been brought up since Green was drafted, but the Steelers never pulled the trigger. During their Friday Night Lights practice, Green was working as a lead blocker and has since been used there sparingly. Important to note, he didn’t receive any work at fullback against Tampa Bay.
He did get snaps at center though, and it was the same old story as before. Green was lacking technique and was constantly beaten by defenders. Add in the penalties and there was nothing to be thrilled about for Green’s first game of this season.
Green isn’t only playing for the backup job right now, but he is playing for his Steelers career. There hasn’t been a clear backup option at center shine yet, and Green may have to permanently make the move to fullback to prolong his career. If he wants any shot at making this roster though, he will need a good second preseason game.
Steelers need consistency from James Pierre
James Pierre has become somewhat of a frustrating player for the Steelers as of late. While he was a surprise standout as an undrafted free agent a few years ago who made the roster outright, he has since failed to progress as you would have liked. His game is marred in inconsistencies. For every good game he has, he also has a lackluster one soon after.
There seemed to be some subtle growth there a season ago, as he became a starter as injuries piled up on the cornerback position. He was steady and was rated as one of the better cornerbacks from the squad last season. With a new contract in hand, I was hoping that Pierre would continue to flash and cement himself in the defensive rotation.
That hasn’t happened, and his first preseason game was yet another mixed bag. He did make a few solid plays in the opener but also left some plays on the field. With Joey Porter ascending quickly, Pierre seems like he will have to make the roster as the fourth outside cornerback and will likely be used mostly on special teams.
While Pierre is fine in that role and has a cheap enough contract to justify that, the door still isn’t closed completely. Levi Wallace is a steady presence, but a strong showing in week two could do wonders for the fourth-year veteran. His roster spot still seems safe, but Pierre needs to have a consistent game to really cement himself on this roster.
Steelers could see George Pickens breakout
While George Pickens was only on the field early in the first preseason game and caught a single pass, he made it count. Pickens took his single reception the distance for an early score. That alone is great, but the entire play seems to indicate that Pickens is growing as a receiver and could be in for a big year.
Pickens caught the initial pass toward the middle of the field. That alone is a notable change, as he was usually just thrown to on 50/50 passes down the sidelines and used his incredible hands to make the snag. His route tree seems to have expanded some, and while his route running could be sharper, this is still a needed development.
The next notable thing was what happened after the catch. Pickens made a few quick moves that allowed him to get into space and use his athleticism to ultimately end up with the score. Last year, while Pickens would make quite a few incredible catches, he failed to do much after the catch. The first game showed some traits there as well.
Am I looking too much into one catch? Perhaps, but Pickens showcased everything I wanted to see him improve on in his second season. While he will still be a down-the-field threat primarily, adding these other elements to his game could take him to an elite level. I want to see that progress through the next preseason game.
The first preseason game was an eventful one for the team, and these five players have a lot to prove heading into the second game. Some need to stack good games, while others need to prove that they are still realistic roster options for this team given their struggles early on in the preseason.