With 2 less than stellar performances under the 2013 Steelers’ preseason belt, doubt is starting to evolve into panic amongst the Black and Gold faithful. Calling for another 8-8 season (or worse) is the leitmotif, and this is not an entirely unfounded prediction considering the sloppy (for lack of a better term) performance on display last night at Fedex Field.
With injuries racking up as quickly as Rex Grossman racked up passing yards (yes, that really did happen), there is little reason to believe that this Steelers team will be anywhere near NFL competition-level ready by the time September 10th rolls around. Todd Haley’s playbook loses some weight with only one available tight end, as his proclivity towards 2 tight end sets would naturally dictate. This would seem to “dumb down” the offense, making an opponent’s game prep somewhat easier.
What do fans have to look forward to at this point? Let me enlighten you. The opportunity for young guys to step up and into roles that they normally would not inhabit for years, and in some cases ever, can result in some pleasant surprises. Not all superstars come from the 1st and 2nd rounds of the draft. There are guys who thrive in the spotlight, and play well beyond what their capabilities are believed to be without the added pressure. There are also guys who cannot handle the microscope, a la Limas Sweed (betcha hoped you’d never hear THAT name again).
The point I am attempting to make here is that the best player development comes at game speed, and there is no better place to learn than at the highest level. Coaches can’t really know whether a player is willing to make the necessary adjustments in-game without having it happen in just that time frame and place.
Could this be another “rebuilding year”? The way things look right now…quite possibly. Sports fans are spoiled here in Pittsburgh. Super Bowls and Stanley Cups have passed through quite recently. Perennial contenders, multiple sports, occasional championships. How many cities can state that?
Enjoy what you are seeing from this year’s version of the Pittsburgh Steelers, although they may not be the winning ways to which you are accustomed thus far. Watch these young players become what they are destined to be, whatever that may entail. The anticipation is the greatest part of being a sports fan; the tailgating, days of discussion leading up to the game, and time amongst friends and family is what we do here. Revel in that, regardless of how the Steelers play.
There’s still time to field a contender, folks.
(Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
