In a nationally televised game on NFL Network this Friday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers will open up their preseason schedule against the New York Giants. While it is hard for some people to get excited about preseason football, it’s a great opportunity to see the next future stars of the Black and Gold. Most of the starters won’t see much more than one or two series worth of action, leaving the rookies on center stage. On offense, three rookies are sure to see plenty of action, running back James Conner, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and quarterback Josh Dobbs. Conner is looking to become the primary backup to LeVeon Bell, while Smith-Schuster is looking to earn playing time in the receiver rotaion. When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, a few more talented rookies will make their NFL debuts.
Rookie James Conner Leads a Talented Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Class vs New York Giants
Rookie linebackers T.J. Watt and Keion Adams, along with two more rookies, cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Brian Allen, will finally get their chances to hit and cover people other than their own teammates. Playing a talented and physical team like the Giants should be a good first test for these youngsters, who are looking to win their first NFL game. So what do the Steelers need to do to win this game? Well, as in any game, it is all about turnovers. When the Steelers are on offense they need to protect the ball. Ball protection starts with Landry Jones and Dobbs who obviously handle the ball on every play. Both quarterbacks need to stay within themselves, focus on executing the plays that are called, and take what the defense gives them. There is no need to force the ball downfield when running what will be a very vanilla offense.
The running backs need to protect the ball as well, especially fringe prospects like Terrell Watson, Trey Williams, and Brandon Brown-Dukes. Nothing will get you closer to your life’s work than putting the ball on the turf and being held responsible for losing the game because they failed to do their job. They need to be aware that these young Giants defenders are going to come at them looking for the big play by stripping the ball from them. If James Conner and the rest of the young running backs can take advantage of this, they all are capable of ripping off some big yardage. The bottom line is that the Steelers need to be able to run the ball.
When the defense takes the field, they need to limit the yards after contact. Steeler defenders in recent years have surrendered too much unnecessary yardage by focusing more on the kill shot than wrapping people up. The Steeler defense needs to employ sound tackling technique, maintain gap discipline. The defensive line needs to generate pressure without the aid from blitzing. Watt and the rest of the linebackers need to shut down the Giants running game and get after the quarterback. The cornerbacks need to tackle the catch. They need to avoid costly penalties by turning around when the ball is in the air and making a play on it, creating the potential for turnovers, which is what the defense needs to do Friday night.
Granted it is only a preseason game, but the Steelers goal has always been to win every time they step onto the field. Here are the keys to victory for the Steelers on Friday night. Protect the ball and force turnovers. The defense needs to get off the field on third down. Jones and Dobbs have to stay within themselves, execute the game plan, and take advantage of what the defense gives them. Conner and the running backs have to be able to establish the running game early. The defense has to generate pressure on the quarterback without blitzing. If the Steelers can check off these five boxes on Friday night, they will leave Giants Stadium with one in the win column.
