Was busy this afternoon, so i just finished watching. Overall, pretty impressive performance from all 3 phases. The tackling was night and day better. Partly because more starters were playing but i think another huge part is they finally got a long stretch of practices where weather allowed them to get in their work.
Big Ben - a bit of rust with a few high throws but also some absolute dimes. Seems to be right on track for week 1
James Conner - we know he can run. he looks much improved as a receiver. I doubt he is as skilled as Bell to run receiver routes but he's shown he can handle the less complicated RB route tree and that's enough. Still a question on his pass protection as I haven't seen him tested in that area very often.
Let's be real, Bell was NOT ready to play until about week 4 last year. I expect the same this year. Last year i suspect they wanted to lean on Conner while Bell got in shape but his terrible pass protection meant playing a sluggish Bell was the only option.
I expect the same this year, with the Steelers looking to give Conner a big role, possibly even the starter's role and bulk of carries for the first 2-3 weeks. Once again, this will hinge on Conner's pass protection. The league is too blitz heavy to have a RB who can't block and they aren't going to risk Ben getting creamed. I hope Conner is at least adequate so he can carry the load until Bell is in game shape.
Jesse James - had to leave with a back contusion. I hope he's OK because he's certainly needed. James looks much quicker and Ben seems to really be getting on the same page with him despite a few high throws.
Screen passes - it looks like some actual well designed screens will be part of the offense. Long overdue. The Steelers OL is very athletic. Pouncey and Decastro are made for screens as are the RBs. A few screens per game does wonders to slow down a pass rush.
Heyward and Tuitt. If they can finally be healthy together, this defense could really take off. If these 2 are dominant then it makes it much easier on Watt and Dupree on the outside. It also allows them to drop in coverage more and to blitz less. If they can get pressure rushing only 4 or 5, this defense will be tough.
Dupree - He does look good. We've seen him flash his ability but injuries have held him back. He's finally healthy and with some dominant DEs drawing attention, he should see plenty of single blocks, and one on one's vs RBs.
Edmunds - he's going to be a stud. He has the instincts, the athletic ability and the smarts to be great. I wasn't sure he'd be ready to contribute immediately, but i'll be shocked if he doesn't have a major role.
Marcus Allen - injuries have kept him out most of preseason, but I hope they keep him on the roster. He was very productive in college and with his size, i think he would get plucked off practice squad. I think he and Edmunds could make a perfect pair for the future.
Young DBs. It wasn't long ago that Ross Cockrell may have been the most reliable DB on the field. He's a decent player, smart, but not a great athlete and when you are looking at him as your best CB, you are in trouble.
Now the steelers are swimming in athletic DBs with upside. Of course there's Haden, but also Artie Burns is getting better. Cam Sutton is looking good. Hilton is already a solid player. Brian Allen is showing his athleticism.
