The 5: Things Steelers fans should watch for in preseason finale
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the road to play their 2024 NFL preseason finale. Their opponent: the Detroit Lions. The Saturday game will be the last opportunity for many currently-rostered players to show whether they’re the best option to be placed on the initial 53-man roster moving into regular season. For that reason our “5 things” doesn’t focus fully on individual players, but does look at the team as a whole.
Dual purpose game for Steelers
Head coach Mike Tomlin said that the plan among staff is to not only allow the top players at their positions – the “starters” – to go into the final preseason game to knock some of the rust off their play, but to also get the team ready for their season opener on September 8.
“Our mindset regarding this game is kind of a unique one… This is our third preseason game, and historically, the third preseason game has been a dry rehearsal for the regulars, and we have that mentality,” Tomlin said on Thursday. “But also it has some characteristics of the old fourth preseason game, because it’s the last opportunity for some men to state the case for themselves, to find jobs, to define roles, to show what they’re capable of.”
That mindset includes seeing if the efforts individuals have executed in practice can be replicated in the game. This far, the Steelers offense has struggled to produce points. With Russell Wilson slated to start at quarterback, as Tomlin indicated the more veteran QB remains their number one, there will be an impetus on getting into the end zone, converting key downs, and successful execution.
“We’ve had some really awesome practice days and shown really good consistency and fundamentals and splash-play ability, but I haven’t seen it in a stadium… I’d like to see that in the stadium before I move on to provide reps to some other guys that are trying to get a job for themselves.” – Mike Tomlin
Fans should be excited to see how well the first-teamers work together in this game. How long those starters will play remains to be seen, as there will be a balance of preventing injury and getting key snaps. After a reportedly great camp, this game should showcase more flash than previous exhibitions this year.
What the offense might finally look like
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith admitted that he had called a different playbook for Wilson, due to the calf injury he’d been working back from, in the second preseason game than he had for Justin Fields.
“(Russ) hadn’t had enough reps. He wanted to go out there. Internally, we limited him to some of the schemes we were trying to do. It didn’t go clearly the way we wanted it to. So, there’s some things that I didn’t call for him that I did call for Justin.” – Arthur Smith
It appears like they’ll loosen the reins and allow Wilson to flow in the full scheme. That should give fans a much clearer picture of what the overall offensive changes Smith has made to the playbook will look like in-season.
- Related: Official Steelers depth chart
“Last week was great to be out there for the first time, putting pads on and everything else,” Wilson told the media this week. “But I think the big thing for us is just executing and us making our plays and doing our thing… We have guys that are working their tails off every day. So I’m excited about this week.”
How dominant the defense truly may be
With T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick back on the field, the Steelers defense will look different than it has in the first two preseason games, and predictably will be more dominant. The experience and leadership of those players can instantly elevate the play on that side of the ball for Pittsburgh.
Linebacker Patrick Queen said that the defense is focused on good communication, working together to be dominant and physical. “The guys in this locker room right now can take care of business,” he added.
Cam Sutton, Donte Jackson, and Fitzpatrick have been coaching-up guys like Beanie Bishop Jr., Joey Porter Jr., and the safeties and corners throughout camp and preseason. The defensive backfield is an area that needs to tighten up its play and find an identity. This final preseason game should showcase a lot of the vision defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has for that part of the overall defense.
Meeting all challenges through improved execution
Execution has been a bit sloppy at times. Cleaning up the overall play on both sides of the ball, as well as special teams, should allow the Steelers to meet the challenges the Lions present. How players adapt on Saturday, whether starters or not, will be a key item to keep an eye on.
Broderick Jones, James Daniels, Troy Fautanu, and Zach Frazier speak to the media: pic.twitter.com/Jk3L0hUYLT
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) August 21, 2024
Mistakes hurt the Steelers in both previous preseason games. That has been an area of focus throughout camp and practices. This week practices also included game-planning and simulating regular season situational football.
Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media on Wednesday: pic.twitter.com/s8VQDQ4uiy
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) August 21, 2024
Final evaluations before the dreaded cut to 53
These mock weeks are big,” Tomlin said regarding how the Steelers prepared for the upcoming game against the Lions. “A big component of development individually and collectively, how people absorb information, how they absorb a ready list and so forth… So, there’s physical work and things of that nature to be evaluated, but there’s some intellectual components that are really significant as well as we make some of our final judgments and lean in on this last opportunity in stadium.”
Related content:
- The Steelers 2024 season hinges on these four players
- Steelers roster strengths and concerns heading into final preseason game
As a fan, this week will be an opportunity to see who shines and who may get walking papers. The end of preseason marks that long-awaited moment when NFL football for the Steelers really is back!
