With Week One of the 2019 NFL preseason underway, all eyes were on some of the young Pittsburgh Steelers. Last night was the first time Pittsburgh’s rookies got to show off their skills in a competitive setting. Some rookies shined while others have some improvements to make. While not rookies, both young quarterbacks and a second-year wideout gave us something to be excited about. Overall, there was not a lot to complain about in Pittsburgh’s 30-28 preseason victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Going into the first preseason game of the season, I was wary to be optimistic. Was I extremely happy that Pittsburgh traded up in the draft to take Devin Bush out of Michigan? Of course. However, I have been excited before. Bush’s speed was impressive in college, but would it transfer? Is he too undersized to be a legitimate threat at middle linebacker? These were questions that kept my optimism in check. That did not last long.
How the Young Pittsburgh Steelers Fared in the Preseason Opener
Bush proved early that his speed most certainly will transfer to professional ball. He consistently flew around the field, impacting most plays. When you move as fast as Bush did, size is rarely an issue. Bush finished with 10 tackles in the first half, putting on a show. While some may look at coverage as a weakness for Bush, he showed signs of maturity. There were passes completed to his assignments, yes. However, Bush did not fail to finish the play. What was most impressive was Bush’s sound tackling in the open field.
Where open field tackling was a strength for Bush, it was a glaring weakness for another rookie. Justin Layne looked lost, particularly on the first drive of the game. Layne appeared to be playing the corner position as a safety. Routinely, Layne gave too much cushion to receivers. He also missed a tackle that resulted in Tampa Bay taking an early lead.
This is not surprising. This is the same secondary that contains the likes of Artie Burns, Sean Davis, and Terrell Edmunds, all who miss tackles consistently. While Layne certainly has the athletic ability to play in the NFL, it was made clear that he still has a lot of work.
The most uplifting aspect of Pittsburgh’s first preseason game was the quarterback play. When we last saw Josh Dobbs and Mason Rudolph, they both looked lost. Rudolph had a rough first season getting accustomed to the pro offense. Dobbs looked lackluster in his appearance against the Oakland Raiders in the regular season. Both made major strides last night.
Dobbs started the game for Pittsburgh and showed the poise he has been missing since being drafted. He threw the ball much better and made good decisions in the pocket. He also showed off his running ability, but only when needed. Dobbs took off for a 36-yard gain as the pocket collapsed on him with no options downfield. He even got to show off the deep ball with a 43-yard strike to James Washington.
The best throw of the night, however, came from Rudolph.
Rudolph threw a perfect back-shoulder pass to Washington for Pittsburgh’s first touchdown. Rudolph also displayed a type of poise that was not shown last year. His passes looked much crisper and his demeanor came off as more confident.
Both quarterbacks are doing exactly what Pittsburgh expects of them. Rudolph was the better talent coming out of the draft. We all expected him to make strides this season. Dobbs was more of a project, and I think you are seeing him mature and develop. While it’s not as quick as Rudolph’s development, that is what was expected. Both quarterbacks are starting to find their way. With the talent that each possesses, it will be fun to watch them continue to grow.
Both young quarterbacks also had a favorite target. James Washington had his fair share of growing pains last year as well. However, on Friday he looked like a wideout that can step in and be a strength for Pittsburgh’s offense this year. His extension was put on display tonight, most notably on the deep pass from Dobbs. Washington’s hands seemed a lot surer last night than last year. That combination could make him a threat as a third option for Ben Roethlisberger.
There are a lot of exciting, budding stars right now for Pittsburgh. As Mr. Big Chest continues to crumble off the field in Oakland, it is all business for the Steelers. As of right now, it truly is looking like addition by subtraction for the 2019 Pittsburgh Steelers.
