By Sean Geddes
Tonight the Steelers take on the Carolina Panthers in the final preseason test for the Black and Gold this year. This is a make or break game for a lot of players on the roster bubble, and for more than a few fighting for a better spot on the depth chart. Let’s take a look at the most important things to watch as Tomlin and Company prepare to start the season that is now just over a week away.
Who To Keep A Closer Eye On:
Flozell Adams
Carolina may have lost their premier pass rusher this offseason in Julius Peppers, but they’ve still assembled a solid stable of young pass rushers that will put the newest Steeler to the test this week. Guys like Greg Hardy, Everette Brown, and Charles Johnson will test The Hotel’s ability to protect against the speed pass rush. If Adams is going to be the starter at right tackle, and by all accounts he will be, I would like to see better play out of the big man.
What Is The Key To Victory:
The Quarterback Depth
And this will be the key to victory weeks on through four as well. We need someone to show they want this job and are willing to play consistent ball. Leftwich has looked shaky but has made good decisions (he’s the only QB without an interception this preseason). Dixon has shown potential for success, but he hasn’t shown it against starters yet this year. Even Charlie Batch has made good throws in his brief time on the field. But someone has got to take this by the reigns; so far no one has been able to distinguish themselves from the group.
Where The Best Battles Are:
The Offensive Line
From the Department of Redundancy Department, I go right back to where I started. Flozell has already been mentioned, and Maurkice Pouncey will once again get the nod with the first team, his play has been something to get excited about so far, there is even more to watch from this group.
Tony Hills has shown more this preseason than perhaps all his time already spent in Pittsburgh combined. If he can prove to be an adequate back up with some potential for the future, he will prove to be worth the wait, and worth the fourth round pick we spent n him a few seasons ago.
Justin Hartwig may have lost his job as the starting center, but there is one more position that is up in the air on the line, right guard. Trai Essex has been serviceable, and Ramon Foster has shown promise, but to remain in the starting lineup (and maybe even remain on the team) Hartwig should be eyeing the spot up right next to his old one.
When We Need To Be More Successful:
When We Get Close
The redzone has been an area we have struggled for some time. Part of the blame can be put on the play calling of Bruce Arians, who has no fullback in his offense. Perhaps a few more runs in a heavy formation would help. Perhaps it’s just a matter right place right time right decision, but the bottom line is we need someone to take the ball and cross the plane with it. More touchdowns and less field goals in the redzone could be a key to more wins for a team that lost five games by four or fewer points following a year in which they won five games by the exact same margin (hint hint, look at our final records those years).
Why We Will Win:
Run Defense
Carolina’s offense features two stellar running backs in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, which is well known. They also feature a fullback in their offense on a higher percentage of downs than any other team in football, and I think they’ve got a good one on the rise in Tony Fiametta. Behind those three there is also a talented back up in Mike Goodson who will try and gash our defense when in. When you combine that with a crew of young quarterbacks still learning the game at this level… if you can stop the run, you can beat the Panthers.
This Saturday, September 4th is the day rosters go from 75 to 53 players. This is it, almost 33% of the players playing now will be off the team, looking for work, in a just a few days. This will be their last shot to prove to the coaches they deserve to be on the 53. I expect to see some hungry football from the Steelers tonight.
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