Week 2 of the NFL preseason has come and gone for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they traveled to Washington to play the Redskins. Just one week ago the Skins got dominated by the Ravens and many thought the Steelers would do the same. That was not the case though as the Skins would win a close one 17-13.
As equally as I was impressed by the Steelers and guys like Redman and Burnett in the opener I was unimpressed with the team as a whole in this game. If I was to guess my opinion would be the Steelers just plain had no passion for this game. A few players stood out, such as S. Logan and K. Fox, but for the most part the entire team seemed flat.
The offensiveline got manhandled and the run game was abandoned. As if that was not enough, the defense seemed to be on vacation. I realize it is only preseason and these games mean nothing, but I would like to see some passion from the defending champs even when it does not count.
This game reminded me of last years second preseason flop verse the Packers. No passion, no urgency not a care in the world. I expect that from the vets, they just want the season to start and the games to have meaning already. The back ups and the guys on the cusp of a meeting with “the Turk” those are the guys I wanted to see more from.
So far I have been unimpressed with both the offensiveline and our running game. Other then Redmen in the opener and Willy showing he still has some speed left in those wheels, the run game has been a joke. Mendenhall has looked weak and unsure of his role, Moore has not seen much of any action and Frank “the Tank” Summers is looking more and more like a dud then the short yardage savior us fans hoped he would be.
The passing game has been ok at best but lacks time to set much up as the OL is still looking down right crappy. The brite spots have been the receivers. Wallace, Sweed and McDonald all have looked like quality slot guys and have made the battle interesting. Wallace’s speed is amazing, to bad the QB’s have not been able to find him deep yet. Sweed has made some great grabs but also has dropped a few easy ones. McDonald has played mostly verse the scrubs but has been consistant and looks to be able to contribute from any position on the field.
As for the QB’s, Ben did not play this week but looked fine in the opener. He needs more time in a game though to develope the timing with his receivers though. Batch looks old and frail. He has made a few decent plays but seems a bit rusty and reluctant. Denis Dixon has had some flashes as well but also looks like he could use some more seasoning. He has shown me enough to warrent him winning the #2 job. I say let him be the #2 on game days and if Ben gets hurt and needs to miss a few games then let Batch start.
The defense has been just ok. Granted Dickie never shows much in the preseason and things are very simple, so I am not too worried. The glowing spot would have to be the play of Ziggy Hood, two sacks in two games not bad for a rookie. The question is can he do it verse the starters? Sunny Harris has looked good as well. So has some of our new DB’s, Ratliff, Burnett and K. Lewis. I have to say I am disapointed in the play at safety though. Not in our starters but theose fighting to be the back ups. R. Mundy nor Roy Lewis has shown much if anything to warrent the aging vet, T. Carter, a visit from the turk.
Overall an unimpressive performance in a meaningless game. Just like every team in the league at this point of the season, the Steelers need to improve. The good news is we know they can do it. They are the defending Champs and I have full faith Mike Tomlin will get them motivated for when the games count. Next up for the Steelers TO and the Buffalo Bills. Untill then let us know what you think of the Steelers thus far in the preseason and beyond.
About the Author Jim McMillen
The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.
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I have to agree with you. Most unsettling is the way Max Starks whiffed against Andre Carter. Batch was running for his life out there, kind of like Ben had to do during last season.
Hey bro thanks for the comments. Again I have full faith in our Steelers, just was not impressed with the way they played this time out.
Yeah, the line is looking as mediocre as last year. They have got some good play from Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster though. They need an upgrade in several places starting at Left Tackle where Max Starks is no longer content with having Ben get pounded by getting beat all the time he has taken to stomping on Ben’s feet himself. Arian’s even has claimed that Willie Colon is one of the best OT’s in the league. A ton of the competition’s DE’s hopes he keeps living in this Bizarro World while the beat the crap out of Ben this year. I hope we can get a better look Stefan Logan at KR. If he can do what he did in the game consistently he and Wallace could gives teams fits on Special Teams.I loved that Ziggy dropped the dance as Rod said Mean Joe told him, “We don’t do that.”