The Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers was a showcase of talent and potential, with several players stepping up and others falling short. Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers from the game, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Winners
Asante Samuel Jr.: Clamps and Ball Skills
Asante Samuel Jr. was a standout performer, living up to his reputation as a ball-hawking cornerback. His ability to break up passes and make plays on the football is exactly what the Steelers need from their defensive backs. Samuel's performance mirrors his strong play throughout the summer, and he's proving to be an excellent depth option with ball-skills. His sub-package role is crucial, and with Joey Porter Jr.'s absence, Samuel is in a prime position to shine.
Germie Bernard: Gamers Come Alive
Germie Bernard, who hadn't had an inspiring training camp, showed his true colors on Thursday night. He displayed a good feel for zone coverage, reliable hands, and strength with multiple broken tackles. Bernard's performance was a stark contrast to his previous weeks, and he generated a lot of buzz. His ability to come alive in a game is a testament to his status as a gamer, and he's making a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Will Howard: Touch and Accuracy
Quarterback Will Howard had a positive debut, showcasing his touch and accuracy on layered throws. He led the Steelers downfield with precision, coming inches away from his first passing touchdown. Howard's performance in the two-minute drill was particularly impressive, as he marched the team downfield with confidence. His ability to handle key moments and make accurate throws is a positive sign for the Steelers' offense.
Lew Nichols: Hard-Charging Running Back
Lew Nichols continues to impress with his hard-charging brand of football. He pushes the pile forward and gets yards after contact, including a key fourth-down conversion. Nichols' performance is a reminder that he's a force to be reckoned with, and his ability to make the most of his opportunities is a positive sign for the Steelers' running back corps.
Ben Skowronek & Robert Tonyan: Key Catches
Wide receiver Ben Skowronek and tight end Robert Tonyan made crucial catches, showcasing their reliability and ability to create opportunities. Skowronek's early third-down conversion and fourth-down catch were highlights, while Tonyan's availability and ability to get open were notable. Their special teams value is also a factor in their roster status.
Yahya Black & Gabiel Rubio: Solid Run Defense
Defensive linemen Yahya Black and Gabiel Rubio played solid run defense, with Black beating his block and Rubio two-gapping to take away the inside lane. Their performances were promising, and they'll need further evaluation with the All-22 footage, but they showed potential in their first game action.
Kaden Wetjen: Return Man Extraordinaire
Kaden Wetjen, the top return man in college football, flashed his talent with multiple tackles on kick and punt returns. His ability to break tackles and create big-play opportunities is a significant asset. Wetjen's performance on offense, including a 74-yard completion, further showcases his versatility and potential.
Drew Allar: Accuracy and Timing
Quarterback Drew Allar had a strong start, showcasing his accuracy and timing. His first completion was nearly a touchdown, and he finished the drive with a read/option keeper. Allar's performance begins to address concerns from his college tape, and his ability to make on-time and on-target throws is a positive sign for the Steelers' offense.
Daylen Everette: Competitive Coverage
Cornerback Daylen Everette held his own in coverage, filling and fitting the run and being competitive. His performance is a positive sign for the rookie class, and further evaluation with the All-22 footage will provide more insight.
Jamin Davis: Positive Plays
Edge rusher Jamin Davis had a solid performance, defending the boot game well and making a tackle in the flat. He also picked up a sack, splitting it with Kyler Baugh. While Davis isn't on track to make the 53-man roster, his positive plays are a sign of potential.
Losers
Discipline & Penalties: Sloppy Mistakes
The Steelers' discipline and penalties were a major issue, with 11 penalties for 143 yards. This sloppy play carried over from a rough camp and was frustrating for Art Rooney II. The penalties came on all sides, including false starts, late hits, and special teams penalties. The Steelers have a lot of work to do to clean up their act and avoid costly mistakes.
Kaleb Johnson: Lost Ground
Running back Kaleb Johnson didn't log a single offensive snap in the first half, and his performance was underwhelming. He had just two carries for 3 yards, and his lack of involvement is a concern. Johnson's situation is uncertain, and he may need something significant to happen to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
Troy Fautanu: Knocking Off Rust
Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu didn't have his best game, allowing pressure and picking up penalties. While there's context for some of the issues, his performance is a reminder that he's still knocking off the rust after shifting to left tackle. Fautanu will need to improve and have better days ahead.
In conclusion, the Steelers' preseason opener provided a glimpse into the team's potential and areas for improvement. The winners showcased their talent and ability to step up, while the losers highlighted the need for discipline and consistency. As the preseason progresses, the Steelers will need to build on these performances and address the areas of concern to be ready for the regular season.
