The third preseason game might be the most important, but the fourth game is always the most interesting. This game represents the end of the road for many, and an NFL career for a select few. It’s football’s version of Survivor, where anything can (and often does) happen. Preseason week four Pittsburgh Steelers what to watch focuses on three players. Two are within reach of their NFL dream, while one might be on the verge of going home. Mike Tomlin and his staff are going to have some tough decisions to make while finalizing the roster. These players are hoping to make that decision a little bit tougher.
Preseason Week Four: Pittsburgh Steelers What To Watch
Pittsburgh Steelers What to Watch: Everyone Loves an Underdog
When training camp rolls around every year, there’s always that underdog who comes out of nowhere to make some noise. Mike Hilton has taken on that mantra this year. The diminutive cornerback from Ole Miss has definitely made an impact this preseason with two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Hilton, although small in stature, has proven to be extremely physical for his size. He defends the run like he’s been shot out of a cannon, and punishes receivers with that same mentality.
The secondary is the Steelers weakest link on defense, where they need the most immediate help. Hilton is a solid candidate to help fill that need. He has done everything asked of him to this point, impressing veterans and the coaching staff alike. What he has accomplished may not be enough though, despite taking advantage of every opportunity. Hilton likely needs another solid performance against the Carolina Panthers to secure a roster spot. The Steelers are pulling for Hilton to succeed which makes him worth watching.
Pittsburgh Steelers What to Watch: Jacob’s Ladder
Safety will be one of the toughest positional groups on the roster to crack this season. Robert Golden is the most vulnerable safety on the roster at the moment. Losing Golden would equate to addition by subtraction. Jacob Hagen is looking to climb his way onto the 53-man roster, and would certainly be an improvement. Hagen would add size, speed, and intelligence to the secondary, along with a physical presence that Golden lacks.
Hagen is consistently around the ball in both pass and run defense. He’s played both safety positions and hasn’t missed a tackle. He won’t throw blocks on his own teammates that lead to 55-yard catch and runs either. Hagen has the physical gifts the Steelers love in a safety, and will likely get a long look. Watch for Hagen to see the kind of player the Steelers appreciate having on defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers What to Watch: The End of Big Mac?
Daniel McCullers is the biggest enigma on the roster. He is extremely disruptive and nearly impossible to block when he is focused, but unfortunately, McCullers can’t maintain that focus. McCullers has fallen behind Leterrius Walton and Tyson Alualu in the rotation, and it might be too late for him.
The Steelers are still hoping that McCullers is a late bloomer. He would be a phenomenal player if his work ethic ever catches up to his potential. McCullers will likely remain with the Steelers if he shows any signs of life on Thursday. However, his career with the Steelers will likely end if he doesn’t. It would be nice to see the big guy start throwing bodies around, because that’s what McCullers is capable of. That’s what he needs to do if he wants his NFL career to continue.
This is the final step in preparation for the 2017 regular season. The Steelers have already made most of their roster decisions, with the exception of a final few positions. Players still looking to earn a job need to keep in mind that they aren’t just auditioning for the Steelers, but for every team in the NFL.
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