Stock up, stock down among Steelers after 2nd preseason game
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Until early Friday evening, players on 27 of the NFL’s 31 teams had yet to make their 2021 preseason debut. The Pittsburgh Steelers, meanwhile, already have played two full games.
That’s plenty of extra film and data to comb through and surely that makes coach Mike Tomlin and his staff happy. Here is a sampling of how some players and position groups are faring after Thursday’s 24-16 win at the Philadelphia Eagles:
STOCK UP
Kevin Dotson
There has been plenty of hand wringing about the second-year pro projected to be a first-time starter. And it certainly raises eyebrows that Dotson hasn’t yet taken first-team reps.
But even in a nonstarting role Thursday, Dotson played more snaps (50) than all but one player on the roster. It’s not entirely a coincidence that the Steelers’ offense was at its best during the portion of the game when Dotson was on the field. He was not noticeably beat by a pass rusher, and the running game excelled while the line of scrimmage was controlled.
Even if he’s barely been able to practice this camp because of an ankle injury, Thursday night helped allay any fears there might be that Dotson isn’t the starter when the regular season begins — and probably a good one, at that.
FREE PLAY and @dh_simba7 makes the most of it. Six!@steelers | #PITvsPHI pic.twitter.com/bNqP1Jzr5g
— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2021
Dwayne Haskins
It would be unfair to credit Dotson too much for the offense’s success between the mid-second and early fourth quarters. That’s also when Haskins played. Haskins was efficient, going 16 of 22 — with two other throws dropped. He had a 22-yard touchdown pass that is laudable as much for the decision (it was a “free play” after an defensive offsides flag) as it was the on-the-run throw that traveled more than 30 yards in the air.
The Steelers’ point production has been much higher this preseason with Haskins than under Mason Rudolph, although Rudolph has faced higher-caliber defenses and has been hurt by other players’ penalties and mistakes. Still, Haskins has entered the legitimate conversation to earn the backup job. Perhaps more importantly — barring an off-the-field slip-up — he has locked up a roster spot and an opportunity to show he can be part of the Steelers’ long-term plans.
.@AQ_football alum Jamir Jones (@TheJJammer) notches a big third down sack in tonight’s Steelers preseason game. He has two tackles so far tonight. @News_8
— AJ Feldman (@AJFeldmanTV) August 13, 2021
Outside linebackers
Less than a month ago, it was one of the true alarm spots on the Steelers’ roster. Now, it’s beginning to look like they will have some tough decisions about whom to keep and whom to let go.
Veteran Melvin Ingram made his Steelers debut on the heels of a strong first three weeks of camp. Cassius Marsh, Jamir Jones and Quincy Roche have a sack in the preseason. The latter two youngsters popped throughout Thursday’s game. Jones, a first-year player, and Roche, a rookie sixth-round pick, have been regulars on the core special teams, too. Both are making a case for the 53-man roster.
STOCK DOWN
Inside linebackers
Thursday was going to be a bad day for any Steelers inside linebacker not named “Devin Bush” because of the news of the acquisition of Joe Schobert. Best-case scenario, everyone bumps down a peg on the depth chart, with one losing a job.
The collective play at the position Thursday wasn’t any sunnier. Take Pro Football Focus player grades for what they’re worth, but PFF deemed that among 31 Steelers defensive players evaluated against the Eagles, inside linebackers were the four worst: Bush (27.6), Ulysees Gilbert (34.3), Marcus Allen (39.6) and Robert Spillane (47.0).
The quartet allowed seven receptions on 10 targets for 96 yards, including catches of 34 and 19 yards, respectively, by tight ends Dallas Goedert and Tyree Jackson on which Bush and Spillane got beat.
.@JalenHurts on the money to @goedert33! #PITvsPHI pic.twitter.com/MIhvxS7wjo
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2021
Offensive tackle starters
It’s not yet time to panic, but at what point does Zach Banner’s lack of ability to take game reps become a concern? Forty-eight weeks after ACL surgery, he did not dress Thursday. Banner figures to be cleared to full health by Sept. 13, but as a player with one career start at tackle, he would be best served to get some game action.
The starter on the other side, left tackle Chuks Okorafor, made his preseason debut Thursday. Among his 20 snaps played, Okorafor was called for a false start, allowed a QB pressure and helped preside over a first-team running game that was credited with 14 yards on four carries.
Not the most encouraging start for what is an area of concern on the offense.
Isaiah McKoy
An undrafted rookie, McKoy shows potential during practices. But he’s part of a logjam at wide receiver of proven veterans and plenty of others who, like him, flash with intrigue.
So McKoy needs to stand out when given his opportunities. He was given plenty of those Thursday — only four Steelers played more snaps (45). But of his six chances to make a playd, McKoy netted minus-3 yards. McKoy had two catches on five targets for 4 yards, and he made an ill-advised decision to reverse field on a punt return and lost 7 yards.
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