In a preseason contest marred by injury and sloppy play, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get their first victory in three tries by defeating the Green Bay Packers 24-19 at Heinz Field. Unfortunately, the game will be remembered more for the volume of injuries to key players for both teams than the outcome.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest takeaways from this afternoon’s contest.
The injury to Maurkice Pouncey looks significant, while Stephon Tuitt’s intial prognosis looks more promising:
Though the Steelers did not have the misfortune of the Packers from an injury standpoint, it does look like Maurkice Pouncey’s ankle injury is significant and will likely force him to miss the start of the season. The Steelers have yet to determine how long Pouncey will be out, but with surgery already needed according to head coach Mike Tomlin, it could be long term.
Stephon Tuitt also left with an ankle injury, but it looks like he might have escaped with a more minor one. Still could be the dreaded high ankle sprain, but Tuitt should be back soon.
Offensive line depth a major question mark:
With Pouncey out, the Steelers will have to rely on Cody Wallace to step in as a starter. Wallace is the definitive journeyman, and combine that with significant questions in terms of interior OL depth and this could be a major factor heading into the regular season. Chris Hubbard had an absolute nightmare of a game today and Miles Dieffenbach, B.J. Finney and Reese Dismukes, all who happen to be undrafted rookies, don’t look like viable options to make the roster, let alone contribute in 2015.
That means the Steelers might be looking outside of their current roster for help at both center and guard. Free agents such as Brian De La Puente and Chris Myers might be options. De La Puente, who last played for the Bears, might make the most sense due to his starting experience at both center and guard.
Still a lot of questions behind Big Ben:
The Steelers backup quarterback situation is tenuous at best. Bruce Gradkowski looked ok before leaving the game with a hand injury, and his status is still yet to be known. Yet to play a meaningful down for the Steelers, it’s fair to ask whether or not Gradkowski can start and win games as an injury replacement like Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich could in previous years.
Landry Jones continues to frustrate while at times displaying the ability to make NFL throws. Victimized by his own poor decision making along with some unfortunate drops, Jones finished the day completing 10 of 19 passes for two touchdowns and an interception. 55 of Jones 172 passing yards came on a deep strike to rookie Sammie Coates, who ended the game with two catches but also had two drops.
Young linebackers making a case along with an old one too:
After some criticism early in the preseason, both Jarvis Jones and Bud Dupree displayed the abilities that made them first rounders. Dupree made several splash plays and was credited with a sack, while having an another nullified by a penalty. Jones too had a sack, beating former WVU and Seneca Valley product Donny Barclay badly. James Harrison too got the best of Barclay, beating the tackle and sacking Aaron Rodgers for a safety. So much for Harrison being too old.
The Steelers will have some tough calls at linebacker. Howard Jones, Anthony Chickillo and recently signed L.J. Fort all looked great in game action, and all three will join Shayon Green in a fierce battle to make the 53 man roster or practice squad at the very least.
Tyler Murphy and Shakim Phillips making a case, Dri Archer better but is it enough?
Much like linebacker, the Steelers are loaded at wide receiver. Two rookies and former Boston College Eagles, Tyler Murphy and Shakim Phillips did a great deal to improve their chances of challenging for a practice squad invite. Murphy seems to have the better shot after a four catch, 61-yard performance that including a nifty fourth quarter touchdown grab along with two-point conversion catch to seal the Steeler victory.
Philips too had a touchdown catch and finished with three catches for 47 yards. His play of late is helping the speedsters cause, and though it’s unlikely the Steelers will keep multiple receivers on the practice squad, Phillips play will make the Steelers think hard about finding a way to keep him in the mix. That’s of course, as long as he keeps the momentum going.
Finally, Dri Archer has been better after a nightmare rookie season, but will it be good enough to carve out a role in the Steeler’s offense and return game? Archer has plenty of quickness, but seems to lack the burst to break longer runs when openings might be there. He’s been better, but I still think he’s got to prove more in the final two preseason games.
