I have no idea what they are going to get out of Trubisky, but I do think it is
too soon for Pickett. Which is why, in the event of injury or calamity, the
safe choice is Mason Rudolph to step in. And I think he’ll do really well and
he’s performed and behaved in an exemplary fashion all summer. Trubisky needs
to answer the questions that plagued him in Chicago, his accuracy and his
timing and anticipation. He will miss open receivers, mark my words. And that
is when we’ll find out about a) his mental makeup and b) how the fans respond
to him missing open receivers. It could get ugly, especially if the Steelers
persist against the prevailing public mood.
The offensive line woes proves one thing that everyone forgets. Never assume
that young players always improve with time and experience. Dotson regressed
last year, Green and Moore have regressed this preseason. I have no idea how
this group will perform. They have to coalesce and that takes time. Tomlin
always says the first few weeks of the season is where they focus on getting
better instead of who they are playing and the OL is a big test of that.
Protect Najee at all costs. He’s the focal point of this offense now. And if he
stays healthy, he’ll be brilliant. And it is absolutely correct that Jaylen
Warren supplants Snell as his backup.
Let’s see what Canada can do with this group. Will the OL’s lack of early
cohesion mean that the playbook is curtailed as it was with Ben last year, or
will he be able to play with a full deck of cards?
I like this receiving corps a lot and would like it even more if Austin gets
healthy and involved. I’d pick Pickens to win rookie of the year awards if I
knew he was going to get the ball regularly enough. Again, go back to what I
wrote around draft time, he could be the best receiver in this draft and he
might already be the best receiver in this team. Big year ahead for Claypool,
he needs to rebound. The TE depth is worrisome behind Freiermuth, he has to
stay healthy as I don’t think Gentry can carry the load.
The run defense will be better than last year. It’s that simple and it has to
be. And they now have depth along the DL to cover off any injuries.
Focused on him in the preseason and I’m pleased to report that DeMarvin Leal is
the real deal. Once he gets more consistent with his hand placement, he’ll be a
star, as it stands, he’ll make some splash plays this season.
I think Myles Jack is what this defense needs and Myles Jack is also what Devin
Bush needs.
Intrigued by Mark Robinson, didn’t see much of him in college, very raw, but he
has the talent.
Worried about the corner depth. Ahkello Witherspoon needs to repeat what he did
last season.
Special teams will be fine. Harvin will rebound, the sooner we can get Austin
back for return duties, the better.
Predictions
Steelers - Winning season, but miss the playoffs.
AFC East: Buffalo
AFC North: Baltimore
AFC South: Indianapolis
AFC West: LA Chargers
Wild Cards: Cincinnati, Kansas City, Tennessee
NFC East: Philadelphia
NFC North: Green Bay
NFC South: Tampa Bay
NFC West: LA Rams
Wild Cards: San Francisco, Dallas, Minnesota
Super Bowl: Green Bay over Buffalo
Offensive Rookie of the Year: George Pickens
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aiden Hutchinson
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
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