Tonight the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Washington Redskins in their second pre-season game of the 2013 season. This game will be a chance for some players to show that game one was a fluke and for others to show that they’re the real deal.
All eyes will also be on running back Le’Veon Bell is he makes it onto the field tonight. Bell missed the first game of the pre-season against the Giants with a sore knee, but he re-aggravated that injury this week and was limited in practice.
However, it sounds like he could see some time in the game tonight.
“He’s got a clean bill of health,” Tomlin said of Bell, “so it’s time to get back out here and start the process of readying himself for the game like all other healthy men.”
Isaac Redman, who is listed as a co-starter with Bell on the Steelers new depth chart, also was injured in practice this week and may not play in tonight’s game. His absence, along with Bell likely being limited, should give Jonathan Dwyer and Baron Batch plenty of opportunities.
Dwyer and Batch are both fighting for roster spots and stepping up tonight would be a good way to show that they are worthy of those spots on the final 53-man roster.
Speaking of the final roster, teams must trim their rosters from 90 players to 75 on August 27th. That means any players who don’t see the field tonight or struggle could see their Steelers career end soon.
Another thing to watch for tonight will be to see if the Steelers back-up offensive lineman can bounce back from the game vs. the Giants. They struggled mightily in the first pre-season game and they will need to step up to help the back-up quarterbacks and running backs try to make an impression.
Here is what head coach Mike Tomlin will be looking for tonight via the team’s official website:
“I’m looking to watch this group handle the lights of Monday Night Football. I think that’s significant,” Tomlin said. “We all grew up watching Monday Night Football, and there’s a certain amount of excitement that comes with it. I want to see how these guys can handle it.
“Secondly, I want to see these guys take a step in development this week in terms of making decisions, in terms of execution, in terms of the understanding of situational football. In some instances I didn’t think we got off to a great start in those regards a week ago.”
When asked if he is looking for “smarter football” tonight Tomlin responded: “Absolutely, and that’s as much a part of team development as the development of skill. Displaying an understanding and being where it is you need to be and seeing what it is you need to see.”
The depth chart, and roster, are also big topics heading deeper into the pre-season and Tomlin gave some indication of who two of the team’s back-up offensive lineman will be:
“I’ve liked some of the things that Guy Whimper has done. We acquired him during the offseason with an eye toward him being a potential swing tackle. In the last few days, he has shown an aptitude for guard play, and that helps his case and ours. Kelvin Beachum continues to impress as a swing tackle, and he’ll even get some work at center in this game. Those kinds of contributions are going to strengthen us offensively when you have backups who are capable of doing multiple things.”
After a tough game versus the Giants it looks like David Gilreath has lost his spot as a punt return option:
“We’re going to look at Markus Wheaton,” Tomlin said. ”We haven’t had an opportunity to look at him, and he has worked diligently at practice and we look forward to giving him an opportunity. We will continue to look at Reggie Dunn, and we’ll see what’s left for the others after that.”
Kickoffs seem to be falling into veteran Larod Stephens-Howling’s hands”
“LaRod Stephens-Howling has earned his keep in this league for some time in that area, and we will give him an opportunity. We’ll continue to look at Reggie Dunn in that area as well, as a guy who ran four back for touchdowns last year at the University of Utah. We’ll look at the snap count and then see what’s left for the rest of them.”
When it comes to special teams coverage units:
“You really didn’t get a good evaluation of it because all of the kickoffs were out of the back of the end zone. Hopefully we’ll put some in the field of play this week so we can see who can cover.”
Finally the things that Tomlin will be looking for tonight from his team in their second pre-season game:
“To do exactly what we didn’t do in some instances last week (against the Giants): to make good, sound decisions; to hustle; to not beat ourselves; and to play penalty-free in many regards. I’m looking for the guys taking a step forward in showing an understanding of situational football.
“It’s going to be a big challenge, because when you work with 90 men on the sideline and it’s Monday Night Football, it’s going to be an exciting atmosphere. We’re going to be excited about going out there and getting after it.”
Photo Credit: Steelers.com
