From Gunner to Buddy: Steelers Stock Up & Stock Down

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Anthony DiCerbo. Follow him on Twitter @SnarfVenom

The Steelers returned to action with a pumped-up crowd at the newly dubbed Acrisure Stadium and got the win to start their preseason campaign on the right foot. While the result is important, and it was a good one, Mike Tomlin and his staff will be much more focused on evaluating individual performances in this one. 

Some players and units definitely passed the eye test and certainly helped their case for a role on this team, and some… not so much. So without further delay, let’s start with the winners from the preseason opener. 

Winners

• Quarterback Play: While some may focus on what quarterback played better than the others, I think it was incredibly promising that all three guys looked solid. Each quarterback had at least one passing TD and all three finished the game with a quarterback rating over 100. They all looked comfortable in Matt Canada’s offense, used their mobility when they needed to, and played relatively clean games. In the first game post-Ben Roethlisberger, that is definitely a win.
• George Pickens: The rookie lived up to the hype in his NFL stadium debut and obviously belongs on this list. He looked like a veteran out there and the QBs showed confidence and trust in him early. He was able to beat coverages and showcase his footwork and ability to go and get the ball on his TD reception. If he can keep this up, he’ll have a big rookie year.
• Anthony McFarland Jr. and Master Teague: With Najee and Benny Snell out McFarland was the top RB available in this one, and in his action, with the 1’s he looked good. He showed good burst with the ball. 56 yards on 8 carries is a solid outing. Consistency will be key for Mcfarland, if he can prove to be consistent he will help quell some of the backup RB concerns. A player I was left wanting to see more was Master Teague. He only got in for the final drives of the game, but he ran hard when he got his opportunities. Picking up 31 yards in 6 carries with only one-quarter of work is promising. He was able to get the tough yards, which is something the Steelers have struggled with in recent years. 
• Gunner Olszewski: With a lot of the top receivers not playing in this one Olszewski got to play on offense and looked really solid. He’s made his money as a returner, but he showed he can definitely play offense if the Steelers need him to. His TD was off of a busted coverage, but kudos to him for making the most of it. At this point, I’m considering him a lock to make the roster. 
• Steven Sims Jr.: Sims was electric with the ball in the preseason opener. With a crowded WR group, you have to do everything you can to make an impact, and Sims did just that with a punt return and jet sweep for big yards
• Tre Norwood: In what wasn’t the prettiest defensive performance Norwood looked good. After exceeding expectations as a rookie 7th-round pick last year Norwood will likely have a role on this defense. He’s good in coverage and deserves to be out there. Fans should definitely be happy with his continued development. 

Middle Ground

• Jaylen Warren: I imagine most people were surprised to see Anthony McFarland and Master Teague up there but not Jaylen Warren. I’m sorry but I have to cool off his hype just a little bit. On the plus side of things, Warren definitely stood out. He was involved on the ground and in the air and managed to find the endzone. The big negative was that he put the ball on the ground. That is a big mistake for the rookie RB. While it was harmless in terms of the game, it is something coaches can’t stand to see happen. As Mike Tomlin said on the broadcast, it's unacceptable. If he wants to make the team he’ll have to clean up his ball security, because fumbling the football is an easy way to get yourself cut.