In 2012, Steelers fans had to endure a running back by committee approach, which we know didn’t work out as planned. Their leading rusher from last year is gone in Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer had his struggles this year in camp and in the preseason. However, I thought with his performance against the Redskins, he would be battling for the starting job and not a roster spot. In my opinion, this is a serious snub when you consider Le’Veon Bell is out with an injury, Isaac Redman hasn’t played because of a stinger and Felix Jones was acquired a month ago.
In 2013, The Pittsburgh Steelers will now have two “by committee” positions at running back and tight end. Redman will get the nod to start in week one against the Titans, however I do see La’Rod Stephen-Howling and Jones getting their fair share of playing time. Stephens-Howling will be the third down back and Jones will come in to relieve Redman.
Heath Miller continues to rehabilitate his knee that he injured at the end of the 2012 season. Matt Spaeth, Miller’s replacement, won’t be seen until Week 9 as he sits on the injured reserve . So the Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to combine the skill sets of David Paulson, David Johnson, Michael Palmer, Will Johnson and Kelvin Beachum for a “TEBC.”
The Steelers continuously line up two tight ends in their offensive scheme. Paulson will be relied on heavily as the primary receiving tight end as he caught eight passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in the preseason. Palmer, more known as a blocking tight end, did catch three passes for 43 yards last year with the Falcons, which makes him a possible target for Ben Roethlisberger. Both Johnson’s and Beachum will be used primarily as run and pass blocking tight ends in the offensive scheme.
Of the two committees, the tight end position at this point has the potential of actually holding up quite well in Miller’s absence. The running back committee will be a wait and see at this point. I do think Redman has the skill set to be an every down back in the NFL, however staying healthy has been a problem in the past. Bell is looking to return by w\Week 2, which will either see one running back take hold of the position or a continuance of a committee.
