The Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers revealed a mix of promising performances and areas for improvement. Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers from the game, with a heavy emphasis on personal commentary and analysis.
Winners
Asante Samuel Jr.: The Ball-Skills Cornerback
Asante Samuel Jr. lived up to his reputation as a ball-skills cornerback. His performance mirrored his strong play throughout the summer, breaking up two passes and making a crucial play on a slot fade on third down. Samuel's ability to get his head around and make plays on the football is a testament to his talent. He's not just an excellent depth player but also a potential sub-package role player who can open up the season. His performance, especially considering Joey Porter Jr.'s back injury and contract holdout, is a positive sign for the Steelers' secondary.
Germie Bernard: The Gamers Step Up
Germie Bernard, who hadn't had an inspiring training camp, came alive once he stepped into the stadium. He showed a good feel in zone coverage, reliable hands, and displayed his strength with multiple broken tackles. Bernard's performance generated a lot more buzz than his first two weeks of training camp, and he's a player who can make a difference on special teams. His ability to create yards after the catch (YAC) is a valuable asset for any team.
Will Howard: The Two-Minute Drill Master
Quarterback Will Howard had a positive debut, especially in the two-minute drill. He marched the Pittsburgh offense downfield with touch and accuracy on layered throws, coming inches away from his first passing touchdown. Howard's performance reflects his ability to handle key moments and his potential as a reliable backup quarterback. His accuracy and decision-making in the short and intermediate game are impressive, and he's making strides in answering concerns from his college tape.
Lew Nichols: Hard-Charging Running Back
Lew Nichols continues to showcase his hard-charging brand of football. He pushes the pile forward and gets yards after contact, including a key fourth-down conversion. Nichols' ability to keep his legs going and his overall performance, despite a touchdown run being called back due to a hold, makes him a strong contender for a spot on the 53-man roster. He's a player who can make an impact on special teams and in short-yardage situations.
Ben Skowronek & Robert Tonyan: Key Catches
Wide receiver Ben Skowronek and tight end Robert Tonyan made crucial catches, with Skowronek converting an early third-down play and Tonyan securing a fourth-down throw. Skowronek's special teams value and Tonyan's continued improvement make them important contributors to the team's success. Their ability to make key catches and contribute on special teams is a positive sign for the Steelers' offense.
Yahya Black & Gabiel Rubio: Solid Run Defense
Defensive linemen Yahya Black and Gabiel Rubio played solid run defense, with Black beating his block to force a runner to jump to his right and Rubio two-gapping to take away the inside lane. Rubio's downfield tackle in the second half further showcased his versatility. While we'll need a closer examination with the All-22 footage, their performances on live watch were promising, especially considering the team's 3-4 defensive scheme.
Kaden Wetjen: The Return Man
Kaden Wetjen, drafted as college football's top return man, flashed his talent with a long catch and run on QB Drew Allar's first pass. He broke multiple tackles on his combined kick and punt returns, showcasing his ability to create big runbacks. Wetjen's performance, including a touchback forced with a fake fair catch, demonstrates his potential as a game-changer on special teams. His ability to make one man miss with good blocking elsewhere is a valuable trait.
Drew Allar: Accurate and Timely
Quarterback Drew Allar followed Will Howard's act with a strong performance. His first completion was nearly a touchdown, a 74-yard catch and run to Kaden Wetjen, showcasing his accuracy and timing. Allar's ability to make on-time and on-target completions to WR Max Hurleman and his read/option keeper for a touchdown demonstrate his potential as a reliable starter. His performance begins to address concerns from his college tape, and he's making a strong case for himself as a key player for the Steelers.
Daylen Everette: Competitive Coverage
Cornerback Daylen Everette held his own, filling and fitting the run and being competitive in coverage. His performance, while not as loud as others, was impressive, and he's a strong contender for a spot on the 53-man roster. The rookie class, including Everette, has shown promise, and their ability to hold their own in a preseason game is a positive sign for the Steelers' future.
Jamin Davis: Positive Plays
EDGE Jamin Davis, despite being miscast as an outside linebacker, defended the boot game well and made a tackle in the flat. He also picked up a sack in the fourth quarter, splitting it with Kyler Baugh. While Davis isn't on track to make the 53-man roster, his positive plays demonstrate his potential as a contributor. Similarly, DL Anthony Goodlow showed pass rush juice, indicating his ability to make an impact on the team.
Losers
Discipline & Penalties: Sloppy Play
The Steelers' discipline and penalties were a significant issue, with 11 penalties for 143 yards. This sloppy play carried over into the Acrisure Stadium, with false starts, late hits, and special teams penalties. Art Rooney II's frustration is understandable, and the team has a lot of work to do to clean up their act. The penalties are a reminder that consistency and discipline are crucial, especially in a preseason game.
Kaleb Johnson: Struggling Running Back
Kaleb Johnson's lack of involvement in the first half, despite Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle sitting out, is a cause for concern. He didn't carry the ball until the third quarter, and when he did, yards didn't follow. Johnson's performance, with just two carries for 3 yards, suggests that he's struggling to find a fit in Mike McCarthy's scheme. The odds are high that he'll be traded or cut later this month, as he doesn't appear to be a strong contender for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Troy Fautanu: Knocking Off Rust
Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu didn't have his best game, allowing some pressure off the edge and picking up penalties. While there's context that minimizes his performance, such as Mason Rudolph not climbing the pocket, Fautanu's transition from right tackle to left tackle after being drafted is a challenge. He'll need to have better days ahead to prove his worth, and his performance will be a key factor in his future with the team.
In summary, the Steelers' preseason opener revealed a mix of promising performances and areas for improvement. The winners showcased their talent and potential, while the losers highlighted the importance of discipline and consistency. As the team continues to prepare for the regular season, these performances will be crucial in shaping the final roster and the team's success.
