With Mitchell listed as questionable it looks like Wilcox will probably start.

[slashsteel]

I saw where Mike MItchell was listed as questionable in clevehole, The majority of training camp Mitchell has been out, and just now is getting back to practice. I doubt the Steelers will risk Mitchell re-aggravating that hamstring injury. As they don't want it lingering deep into the regular season. So glancing at the depth chart, I see that Golden is listed behind Davis, and JJ Wilcox is listed behind Mitchell. And practice reports backed up Wilcox getting first team reps.

But a fan has to wonder......... is a barely knowing the playbook JJ Wilcox better than a not ready for prime time junior varsity safety aka Robert Golden ?

And you are adding JJ to a defense that will feature newly acquired Joe Haden who is having a crash course in playbook 101 as well. Not that I don't love the aggressive nature of trying to upgrade three areas of perceived weaknesses.

So to recap Steelers have a rookie starting OLBer, a DE coming off injury, two players as mentioned unfamiliar with the scheme.

That is a lot of weight on a team early out of the gates.

I am for one am thankful the first team of the season on the schedule is Cleveland.

 

[Tibs]

If Mitchell is unable to play they'll probably work Golden in at his spot, more so than Wilcox. As far as I know FS has to bark out plays and get guys lined up. Doubt Wilcox will be up for that. Perhaps they move Davis over and have Wilcox start at SS. I agree Golden is not a great option, but his familiarity with the D is a viable asset if Mitchell's out.

In time, my guess is we'll see Wilcox in dime packages with Mitchell and Davis also on the field. He seems perfect close to LOS either blitzing, covering TE's or stopping the run. I love what he brings to the D - on paper. Hope Mitchell is good to go this Sunday, may be too soon to start Wilcox, we'll see. If he does, it'll be baptism by fire for sure. Hope the back end holds up okay.