Ready or not, it’s football season
It seems like ages but the NFL season is upon us.
The Steelers head to St. Vincent College tomorrow for training camp with quite a few storylines to keep an eye on. A lot of media outlets share the same thoughts as to what to watch out for, but here are mine:
Who catches the ball?
We all know about George Pickens, but after him, is there a reliable target out there for the quarterbacks to throw the ball to?
I’m not one to usually get behind those big “splash” moves, but if there is any way possible the Steelers can work out a deal for San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk they need to do whatever it takes.
I’m not trying to take away from Calvin Austin or Van Jefferson or any of the other guys on the roster, but as of right now, there’s only one guy on the outside that scares me if I’m an opposing defensive coordinator. Personally, I’m hoping rookie Roman Wilson steps into the No. 2 receiver role by the end of camp.
Speaking of Pickens, I’m foreseeing a breakout season for the wideout. By that, I mean upwards of 1,500 yards or more. The way Russell Wilson likes to throw that sky-scraping deep ball of his, it could be a big year for the kid.
Who’s the starter?
It’s Russell Wilson. And I think it’s going to stay Russell Wilson pending an injury or something of that nature.
We all heard the horror stories from last season in Denver. Let’s face it, though. What yinzer out there wouldn’t take 26 touchdown passes against only eight interceptions that he had last year? I know I would.
I don’t doubt that Justin Fields is the future of the position for the Steelers. I leave him on the bench as long as possible, let him learn and let Russ do his thing.
Plus, if Fields gets the job and balls out, it’s just going to raise his price tag after this season. That’s a plan I like, even though it’s very Bob Nutting-esque.
Queen for a day
The acquisition I’m most excited about is the addition of Patrick Queen to sit in the middle of the Steelers defense.
When he was drafted by those dirty birds from Baltimore, he was the pick I was hoping Pittsburgh would make. Obviously it was because of injury, but middle linebacker was the biggest weakness of the defense last season. This year, it should be a strength. I don’t think teams will be able to double TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith as much on the outside because they’re going to have to worry about a little more pressure up the middle.
With Queen in the middle next to Elandon Roberts, the Steelers will have a nice rotation with Cole Holcomb hopefully healthy and third-round pick Payton Wilson. I usually try to be cautious when I hear the ESPN pundits hype up a guy, but I think they have hit the nail on the head with the Wilson pick.
He’s the Butkus Award winner, Bednarik Award winner, a unanimous All-American, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team All-ACC performer.
Yes, his injury history could be concerning, but I think being in Pittsburgh with a great training staff and one of the best health systems in the world, preventative measures won’t be an issue.
Shuffling the line
How soon will the drafted rookies hit the offensive line? Zach Frazier should be annointed the starting center today. Right now. He gets the nod with Nate Herbig as his backup.
Broderick Jones did enough to prove himself last season, but can Mike Tomlin get over himself and move Jones to the left side? Or does that spot go to first-round pick Troy Fautanu? To tell the truth, I can care less. But the fact that Tomlin has this love affair with Dan Moore Jr. disgusts me. He’s horrible. I don’t necessarily mind James Daniels at right guard, but I think he becomes a backup.
If I’m the coach, from left to right, it’s Jones, Seumalo, Frazier, Mason McCormick and Fautanu.
Backing up Porter
Joey Porter Jr. showed he’s going to be a shutdown corner in this league. Now, who is going to be on the other side?
It should be Donte Jackson on experience alone, but who knows. I thought defensive coordinator Teryl Austin should have been told to pack up his belongings after last season, so I hope he’s on a very short leash this year.
I’m also interested to see Cory Trice Jr. this season. He was a promising rookie out of Purdue last season before he suffered a season-ending injury in camp. He should provide some depth in the secondary.
