The Pittsburgh Steelers head into week three of the preseason looking for improvement from their defensive starters. Sloppy tackling plagued them on Sunday, allowing the Atlanta Falcons to extend several drives in the first half. Three of those drives resulted in a touchdown and two field goals. Look for those players to get back on track this Saturday, as the Indianapolis Colts head in to town. Heinz Field has been virtual house of horrors for the Colts recently, and the Steelers look to continue that trend. When the Steelers have needed to get going in recent years, the Colts have been their antidote. Saturday night should be no different for the Steelers. Welcome to week three’s version of Pittsburgh Steelers things to watch.
Preseason Week Three Pittsburgh Steelers Things To Watch
There is not a defensive unit in the NFL that takes more pride in their job than the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s unusual to see them look sloppy like they did Sunday, and rarer to see it twice in a row. Do not expect the starters to repeat that performance on Saturday. Now that they have knocked the rust off, they will bounce back and show up ready to go. History suggests that the Colts are in for a bad experience and a long day.
No Grave Digger, No Worries
Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has looked great so far in the preseason, but will sit out due to a concussion. Due to the disappointing performance of Daniel McCullers, L.T. Walton and Tyson Alualu should see a majority of the snaps. The defensive line has been getting consistent pressure up the middle, and Walton has contributed to that. Look for Hargrave to sit these last two preseason games, allowing Walton to get more quality snaps in. The more he plays the better Walton gets.
Give Terrell Watson The Ball
Terrell Watson averaged over four yards a carry in week one of the preseason, scoring on a 15 yard run. Last week, Watson sat and watched while James Conner received the bulk of the carries. Despite his status as a long shot to make the roster, Watson has earned a chance for more action Saturday. He is much more intriguing to watch than Fitzgerald Toussaint, and at this point, he is more deserving of the extra carries.
More Steelers Things To Watch: Dangerfield Getting Respect
Jordan Dangerfield has taken the long road to reach this point of his career. Earning everything he has gotten, Dangerfield might be the third best safety on the roster. Every time he is in the game, Dangerfield seems to make something positive happen. Whether a big hit, forced fumble, or an interception, the bottom line is that Dangerfield makes the defense better. Following his two interception game, this opportunity is one of Saturday’s key Steelers things to watch.
Mike Hilton Continues To Make Big Plays
Just in case you have not figured it out by now, Mike Hilton is not going away. Not many people gave it much thought when Hilton signed with the Steelers, thinking he was just another camp body. No one knew that the Ole Miss cornerback making an impact this summer would be Hilton instead of Senquez Golson.
While the injuries have been unfortunate for Golson, Hilton is taking full advantage of the situation. Hilton’s play is becoming a big part of the weekly Steelers things to watch. With a couple of sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to his credit, look for an interception Saturday. While he is at it, he might as well return a couple of kicks as well.
Welcome Back Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown
Nothing says that Steelers football is officially back more so than when Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown are in the huddle. For at least a series or two, they will be reunited with Martavis Bryant for the first time in over a year. How great would it be for Roethlisberger to hit Bryant with a deep ball on the first play? How great will it be to see the NFL’s best receiver running through the Colts secondary? In just a few short days, the most anticipated of Steelers things to watch will become reality.
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