You won’t see Mike Adams at right tackle Saturday. Will he keep his job on the blindside? (Photo Credit: vader29)
Some key areas to keep an eye on heading into the first game of the preseason.
Adams v. Gilbert: The idea of Mike Adams starting at left tackle has been gaining a lot of steam the past week. And as Mike Tomlin indicated at his press conference, Adams will get first crack at left tackle Saturday. He’s done well in practice but tomorrows game will be his first true test. The situation can still be considered fluid and if Adams struggles, the team could revert back.
Calling All Lineman: The starting five offensive lineman are reasonably set in stone but the team has little depth. Kelvin Beachum is the backup at every single spot. Ideally, someone else is able to show well to give the team seven competent bodies on Sunday. Guy Whimper and D’Anthony Batiste have the experience edge but graded out as two of the worst lineman last year. Is Joe Long the answer? Could Justin Cheadle or Chris Hubbard be the next Ramon Foster or Doug Legursky?
Outside Zone: Except to see it throughout the game. For the lineman, the starting five is an athletic group and they should thrive. What about the running backs? Will Redman and Dwyer be able to have the burst to get to the outside (aiming point is the rear of the TE)? Don’t forget about Bell either. Sure, he ran it in college but he also had problems picking a hole and getting upfield. You’re not going to be able to bounce everything in the NFL. Game is simply too fast.
John Parker Wilson: After a bad spring, he’s reportedly had a strong training camp and has been running with the third team ahead of Landry Jones. What kind of quarterback will we get in a game setting? If Tomlin’s assertion of playing all four QBs is true, Wilson may end up with just about a quarter’s worth of playing time. Probably only 5-6 attempts. He has to make every snap count. Make an NFL throw (think corner or seam) and move the sticks on 3rd down. Anything to force the team’s hand to keep him instead of Jones.
Special Teams: The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The way to a football coaches’ heart is through covering kicks and punts. These are some of the fiercest and most important battles. Who is at gunner on punt coverage? Jammer on punt return? Forming the two man “wedge” on kicks? And maybe most importantly, replacing Ryan Mundy as the upback on punts. The more hats you wear, the more valuable you are.
Punting for Their Lives: Bouncing off the previous point, Steelers’ fans know Drew Butler and Brian Moorman are duking it out for the punting gig. Special teams coach Danny Smith considers an NFL punt to have a hangtime of 4.5 seconds and travel at least 42 yards. Who will clear that benchmark the most often? That player will have the advantage.
Cornerback Shuffle: With four cornerbacks injured, a slew of new faces have appeared during camp. Ryan Steed, Buddy Jackson, and Devin Smith have all joined the team after during the preseason. What to watch for? You don’t have to make a highlight reel interception to get noticed. Look for who is a reliable tackler, willing to mix it up against the run, and finishes his plays. If you’re going to play for LeBeau, those are requirements. And they’re excellent attributes for anyone on special teams duties. Any backup who wants to be active on Sunday will be playing on the latter.
Giving Foote a Hand: It’s no secret the depth at ILB is subpar. We’ll get out first look at 6th rounder Vince Williams and former Philadelphia Eagle Brian Rolle. They must be able to shed blockers in the run game and be impactful in the run game. The job is up for grabs. Who stands out?
