LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Games are beginning and while it doesn’t count against the record and 16 starters aren’t playing, there are storylines to watch Saturday night in Jacksonville on KDKA-TV.
It’s the Fan 5 areas to watch as the preseason opens at 7p.
#1 Offensive line
Sunday was the first day the entire first-team offensive line was together all offseason. They worked for four straight practices and now all but Isaac Seumalo will be on the field against Jacksonville. Mike Tomlin wouldn’t say for how long and they won’t be with Aaron Rodgers, but a quick start could help build confidence for a group under the radar.
There is also the opportunity for young tackle Dylan Cook to show he’s ready to be the swing with Calvin Anderson injured and Spencer Anderson can show his versatility is key for this offense.
#2 Number 2
Calvin Austin won’t play due to injury. DK Metcalf is being rested. Roman Wilson has excelled the last couple of days of camp after being barely noticeable the first week plus. Assuming he’s healthy to go after tweaking something at the end of practice Thursday, it’s a huge opportunity to be a top receiving option. It’s not just Wilson, veteran Robert Woods brings the toughness and blocking ability, can he be more? Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller are different body types, but similar players.
Each competes with an edge that allows them to impact special teams. At times both have made plays catching the football, it might be two guys for one spot between them. Undrafted free agents Max Hurleman, Roc Taylor and Ke’Shawn Williams have made plays and Brandon Johnson is a three-year veteran with 19 catches one season with Denver.
#3 Defensive line
Steelers used a third of their draft picks on adding youth to their defensive line. Early on Yahya Black has impressed batting down passes and getting pressure. Derrick Harmon is a starter, there has never been a question to his role on the defensive line. Now he gets to prove that what he did at Oregon will translate to the NFL. Then there are the others looking for playing time or to make the roster-Steelers veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk got a one-year deal to show he can give them good snaps. Logan Lee missed his rookie year due to injury, he’s been noticeable in practice. Daniel Ekuale and Esezi Otomewo have NFL experience. They need others to step up and this is their first shot.
#4 Ben Sauls
You would think after his career at Pitt that kicker Ben Sauls would have better chances with other teams, but he decided to stay on the team with Chris Boswell, who was the best kicker in the NFL last season. Seems like both sides knew something was brewing with Sauls’ unhappiness with his contract. Boswell wasn’t at practice Thursday and won’t kick Saturday. That leaves the door open for Sauls. While Boswell works out how he will convince the Steelers to redo a $5 million a year contract that has two more years on it, Sauls can prove his NCAA success translates to the NFL.
#5 Best defense ever
First-year Steelers safety Juan Thornhill said his new team can have the best defense ever, in league history. Maybe he was a little excited when he said it, but great defenses have depth. Thornhill has a couple of interceptions during training camp, Saturday he will be the lead safety with former Raven Chuck Clark. What will each show without DeShon Elliott and three starting corners?
Payton Wilson will be the lead middle linebacker, calling plays and organizing the defense. How will the second-year player handle those responsibilities? Cole Holcomb returns to his first game since mid-2023, can he be a dependable third middle linebacker.
We know about Nick Herbig, but Jack Sawyer brings his 6’4” frame to an NFL field for the first time. How does he impact the game while keeping gap integrity.
This is all to go with what was said about the defensive line.