Steelers have plenty to see in preseason opener
PITTSBURGH – He’s seen some impressive things from a heralded rookie class during the offseason and training camp practices. Now, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wants to see what those young players do under the bright lights at Heinz Field in front of a crowd.
Tomlin will get that first opportunity tonight when the Steelers host the New York Giants in their preseason opener.
But after spending the past few months working with linebacker Jarvis Jones, running back Le’Veon Bell, wide receiver Markus Wheaton, safety Shamarko Thomas and others, Tomlin has a good idea what he’s going to see and the little extra things he hopes to view.
“I’m just looking for a good representation of not only what they’re capable of, but probably more importantly what it is they know, not only in terms of assignments, but the nuances of the game – their ability to communicate in the field of play, their understanding of the unwritten rules of the game of football, the things that they should know innately,” said Tomlin, who will keep his starters in the game for 10 to 12 plays. “That’s what I’m interested in seeing. The things that you don’t coach are the things that I’m going to value seeing from some of the guys that I don’t have in-game experience with.”
After an offseason in which the Steelers had perhaps more turnover than any year in recent memory, releasing a number of former starters and seeing some others leave as free agents, getting a look at the new young talent is critical.
Just as important for the team is getting its first look at its new outside zone-blocking scheme.
The Steelers feel the scheme, which employs more movement from the offensive line and cut blocking, is a good fit for the young, athletic linemen it has acquired in recent years.
The Steelers have used it extensively at training camp but haven’t yet employed any cut blocking techniques since they are working against teammates.
“We can’t wait for it,” said center Maurkice Pouncey. “You can’t cut our guys in practice; we’ll see what it’s like in a game.”
It’s an offensive scheme that has caused the Steelers fits over the years when run by Denver, Houston and Baltimore, among others.
“It’s all philosophy,” said offensive coordinator Todd Haley. “The league went through a stretch where road grader was in. It was the bigger the better. Teams were running downhill and trying to wear down the other side. If you can be dominant like that, that’s one way to do it. If you want to have some versatility on offense, to be able to run inside and out, which I believe you have to be able to do to be consistently successful, you need some athletic guys.
“We’re kind of moving in that direction. It gives you a chance to be more versatile.”
Versatility is key for players trying to win final spots on the roster as well.
While the Steelers know who most of their 22 starters will be, because of their offseason losses, there are question marks at a number of backup positions, safety, cornerback and on the offensive and defensive lines among them.
Many of those spots will come down to not only who plays the best at their position, but who stands out on special teams or can make a splash play.
But the decision to keep or cut a player in another two weeks won’t be made solely on his play in one preseason game, but the entire body of work to this point.
“I never have a timetable, if you will, in terms of when jobs are won. I just think that when it is definitive, when you know, you know,” said Tomlin.
Odds and end zones
Fans should be aware of a new bag policy in place this season by all NFL teams. It is recommended that bags not be taken into the stadium, but if they are, they must be clear plastic and no larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches deep. Small clutch purses are also permitted. … The Steelers and Giants have met four times in the preseason since 1989, with Pittsburgh winning all four games. … Giants defensive assistant Robbie Leonard is a Moon native and played football one season at Washington & Jefferson College before transferring to North Carolina State.