Steelers - Seahawks Preview: First Look at Pickett & Pickens

Kenny Pickett

While Mike Tomlin did say that Mitch Trubisky will open Saturday’s game as the starting quarterback (big surprise), he was a little vaguer about the other two quarterbacks. 

Per Tomlin: “We've got every intention of the first group playing a quarter, the second groups playing the second and third quarter, and then the third group playing the fourth quarter.” However, he went on to say that there would be some “bleeding (over),” and “if there's a third teamer with some upside, he might get in the game in the third quarter, things of that nature. It's not going to be hard lines. We're going to do what we feel is appropriate.” 

Regardless of when Pickett plays, he’s the Steelers first-round pick. Every dropback, every pass, all of it bears watching. Here’s hoping he’s not doing it behind the third-team offensive line so we can evaluate Pickett fairly. 

The Offensive Line 

Speaking of the offensive line… It’s hard to pinpoint an exact play that everyone should be watching. I’d argue that every position has some questions to answer. Pertaining to left guard, who will position themselves to win the position, Dotson or Green? Right now, Green is ahead, but Dotson has time to take it back, and there’s no better place to do it than the gridiron. 

Center is a question mark. I want to see Mason Cole against players not named Cam Heyward and Chuks Orkorafor against somebody who isn’t TJ Watt.. Dan Moore will be interesting to watch and compare where he is now to the end of last season. Reports out of camp have been good, and while they probably didn’t steal one there, he’s been as good as advertised. 

The offensive line needs playing time together as they work at building their cohesion. I expect Tomlin to keep the starting unit on the field for at least the first half before he starts subbing out players. 

Front Seven

One of the main storylines throughout camp has been the Steelers finding their EDGE rushers that don’t have the last name of Watt or Highsmith. Gernard Avery, Delonte Scott, and Derek Tuszka are players to watch this weekend. 

The Steelers need an impressive showing from their backups, or they might be forced to look to add someone via free agency. 

I also want to point out two defensive line players to keep an eye on; Isiaah Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal, both of whom have been impressive in camp. They are competing for the starting backup job (read that again) and potentially to become the heir apparent to Cam Heyward. Leal especially bears watching as he has talent Loudermilk will never have. 

Other notes: Look out for a two-minute drill for Kenny Pickett at the end of the 2nd quarter. I just have a feeling that Tomlin will want to see how Pickett handles the pressure, and if Pickett plays before the 3rd quarter, this might be exactly where it begins. I expect Pickett to soak up most of the starting time in this game, as Chris Oladkun hasn’t taken more than three snaps in camp. Frankly, I’d be surprised if Oladkun plays at all this weekend.

Pay attention to where the cornerbacks line up to start the game. Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon are competing for a starting cornerback spot. Where they start will give a good indication of what the Steelers back four will look like come September. 

Coach T’s mission for this game: “Our goal is to come out of this game giving everybody an opportunity to show what they're capable of and gain a better understanding of their play under real football-like circumstances, so that's exciting."