Friday evening at 7:30 pm Eastern Time, the Pittsburgh Steelers will play their first preseason game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This game offers our first chance to see which guys shine more than just in practice. Other players will be looking to this game to erase bad memories from last year. That being said, here are a few Pittsburgh Steelers players to watch against Tampa Bay this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers Players to Watch in Preseason Opener
Benny Snell
Benny Snell left Kentucky after three-straight seasons gaining over 1,000 yards rushing in the SEC. He has brought that same work ethic from college to the pro level. Every day, Snell seems to impress in practice with his blocking, surprising elusiveness, power, and his little known receiving ability. He enters his rookie season with hopes of being a work-horse running back for the future. This preseason game will be the first test to see if he can carry that same load and be more than just a big personality.
James Washington
James Washington is returning from a sub-par season in 2018. Last year, the rookie totaled 16 receptions, 217 yards, and one touchdown. Even with the help of Antonio Brown in 2018, the Steelers needed more contribution from the quiet receiver. Advertised as a reserved, blue-collar guy, who loves working with his hands, Pittsburgh fans will hope that he worked on those hands this off-season. He has shown his ability to make combative catches in practice but we haven’t seen enough in-game yet. Washington will need to show that aggression this week if he wishes to take Donte Moncrief‘s spot as the number two in Pittsburgh.
Zach Gentry
Tight end is the Steelers weakest position group in camp this year. Zach Gentry is 6’8″, which is possibly his biggest advantage and disadvantage. Coaches will instantly want to see him use his frame to dominate opponents. Route-running and receiving are what he excels at. However, traditionally the Steelers ask back-up tight ends to commit to blocking roles. Possibly his most concerning issue is that he is unable to gain the leverage that shorter, more powerful tight ends. The late switch in position could be partly to blame for his shortcomings in the trenches but the coaches are going to have an eye on his blocking technique this week.
Ola Adeniyi
This first week, Olasunkanmi Adeniyi should be featured in every “players to watch” list. Although the undrafted Toledo product played every game last preseason, he suffered a hamstring injury that ended his season. In four exhibition games, Ola totaled three sacks and two forced fumbles. The sophomore edge rusher seems to have used the year of rest from the active roster in a positive way. In camp, Ola has been dominant, showing great use of his hands, power, and ability to counter off of his first move. If Adeniyi continues to show this kind of dominance, it will be tough to take him off the field.
Devin Bush
It is pretty clear the Steelers traded up for Devin Bush to have him lead their defense for years to come. Bush instantly impressed coaches with his knowledge of the playbook. The ability to apply his knowledge this rapidly at full speed has been the most exciting part of his training camp. The coaches will want to see more of this by him getting different personnel groups lined up correctly and making the right adjustments. As a spectator, get ready to see that elite athleticism on display for a large portion of the first half.
Marcus Allen
Marcus Allen was brought in as a late 2018 draft pick to help shore up tackling in the secondary but spent much of last year inactive. Known as a heavy-hitter at Penn State, the coaches have been waiting for that aggression to show up on the field. This week is a perfect opportunity for Allen to prove he can be that helping hand. Sean Davis being on the injury report means Allen should see the majority of the snaps at free safety. Allen should look comfortable with the playbook allowing him to fly downhill and play his style of football.
Among a roster loaded with talent, these are just a few players to watch against Tampa Bay on Friday. No matter what you think of these young men, the Steelers will need contributions from each one of them to be successful.
