This weekend marks the first week of the NFL preseason. All 32 teams are in action for the first of three weekends. The Pittsburgh Steelers started their preseason with a bang, winning in Tampa Bay 27-17. The team looks to be exciting in 2023 and on paper is the best Pittsburgh squad in years. All classes of players played in the first game, including many starters and a wealth of current backups. In fact, Kenny Pickett and most of the starting offense played for at least one drive. Here are some takeaways and observations you may have missed from the Steelers’ first preseason game.
Takeaways and Observations From the Pittsburgh Steelers First Preseason Game
Starting Offense Looks Sharp In Only Series
Quarterback Kenny Pickett and the other star skill players only played for one drive in the first game. Pickett looked great on the field, completing 6/7 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Just from watching some film, you could tell that he seems more composed and comfortable in the pocket. He threw past the sticks several times and wasn’t afraid to make the tough throws. Diontae Johnson caught three passes for 32 yards on the opening drive; and, George Pickens scored the group’s first touchdown on a 33-yard catch-and-run score.
Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren took some reps on the field, including going out for pass routes and blocking a bit. However, only Warren ran the ball (three attempts) and Harris caught a swing pass. Two standouts from the second team include running back Anthony McFarland and receiver Calvin Austin. McFarland looked explosive out of the backfield, averaging six yards per carry and scoring a touchdown. Austin actually ended up being the leading rusher as he accumulated 23 yards on two separate jet sweeps. He also caught two passes, one of which was a 67-yard touchdown reception from Mason Rudolph.
Offensive Line Battles/Questions Arise Once More
The offensive line, which has been a problem in Pittsburgh the last few years, seems to be better in 2023. The team re-tooled the line, adding several legitimate competitors/starters through both the draft and free agency. Most of the starters looked fine but what was concerning was first-round pick Broderick Jones’ play. He wasn’t necessarily bad, but he didn’t play too well. Unfortunately, that won’t get anyone much on Mike Tomlin’s team. Many are hoping that Jones starts at the beginning of the year but it seems he may just not be ready. Expect some key offensive line battles in the final few weeks of camp and the preseason. This unit has to be at full potential by the team the regular season starts.
Pair of Defensive Wisconsin Rookies Shine
The Steelers drafted two defensive players from Wisconsin this past draft: Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig. Both played for all of a half but wowed in their limited time. Benton, a defensive tackle, secured three tackles including one for loss. Despite not absolutely wowing with his numbers, he was a big part of the defensive line. He helped stop the run often and was noted as of the “winners” in terms of reputation. Herbig also had three tackles which included 1.5 sacks and a tackle for loss. He played like a complete linebacker that did well in both aspects of the game (pass and run). It is just a small sample size but it was good to see the two ex-Badger teammates doing well.
New Signees Alexander, Golden Play Well In Limited Time
Just more than a week after he signed with the Steelers, Kwon Alexander suited up in the team’s first preseason game. He only played for about a quarter (a couple of drives) but man did he look good. He had two tackles but looked quick and efficient. He was signed to be one of the Steelers’ “complete linebackers” who can play every down and help with both the pass and the run. Markus Golden, just like Alexander, played for just about the first quarter but looked good. Coming off an injury-ridden season, Golden looked quick and strong out there. He had two tackles but helped create others’ plays by taking on lead blockers and opening defensive gaps. Golden has three 10+ sack seasons in his career and hopefully, he can return to a high-production form.
What Comes Next?
After the win, the Steelers will head back to Western PA for the final week of training camp. This coming Thursday marks the final day of practice before camp officially wraps up. The team will stay in Pittsburgh for their second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. That game will be on Saturday, 8/19, at 6:30 pm. A lot of positional battles and roster spots will start to be settled. These next few weeks will be critical as the make-up of the 2023 Steelers team depends on it.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
