What Did We Learn about the Steelers this Preseason?

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

In what was likely the most watched preseason in recent memory for the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans were anxious to watch the team for the first time in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. Fans and analysts alike were looking for answers on the field, and after a 3-0 preseason, we now know a lot more about this version of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

From the quarterbacks to the punters there was plenty to digest this preseason, but there are a couple of takeaways that should help people prepare for what the first regular season might look like without Big Ben at the helm. 

All or nothing on defense

If it wasn’t obvious coming into the season, it is now. This team is going to live and die on the defensive side of the ball. 

The offense isn’t going to put up a ton of points every week, so a lot of the weight of winning will fall on the shoulders of the defense, but with leaders like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick there may not be a better group to go all in on. 

Much like in recent seasons, a lot of the wins the Steelers get this year are probably going to be ugly, but that is the way the Steelers like them.

Quarterback isn’t the biggest concern

Coming into the preseason, understandably, all eyes were on the quarterback position. After losing an all-time great there are bound to be questions at the most important position, but the three quarterbacks in Pittsburgh did their best to answer those questions. 

Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett showcased a good understanding of an offense that was new to them, and as coach Tomlin said of Mason Rudolph when he got in late in games, “He looked like a varsity guy in a JV game.”

While none of the games counted for anything, fans should feel a little better about the QB position going forward. No matter what happens with Kenny Pickett this season, he’s showcased enough for people to feel confident whenever it is his turn to take over. 

The o-line IS the biggest concern

While the quarterback position seems to be in a decent spot heading into the season, the offensive line is not. 

Mason Cole and Chukwuma Okorafor have been solid, but nothing special. Everyone else has been inconsistent at best. Kevin Dotson will likely open the season at left guard opposite James Daniels after Kendrick Green had a pretty terrible preseason. 

The left tackle position needs some serious work, and Dan Moore has not looked great this preseason, but unless the team looks at some outside help, the team is stuck with him as the best option. 

The Steelers have not drafted an offensive lineman in the first round since David DeCastro and it shows with this group. Pass blocking has whoever is in at QB running for their life, and the running game hasn’t looked great either. It will likely be on Najee Harris and the quarterbacks to make some magic happen this season. 

Wide Receiver is the deepest position in Pittsburgh

From top to bottom the wide receiver group has shown all preseason that they are the deepest group of players the Steelers have. 

At the top of the order, Diontae Johnson has looked good in limited action, and everyone around the league is quickly hopping on the George Pickens hype train. With those two handling the outside, Claypool should become a matchup nightmare if he lines up in the slot. 

Gunner Olszewski, who was signed mainly for his special teams prowess has presented a case for being involved in the offense. Steven Sims has looked electric when he gets the ball in his hands, and Miles Boykin has had a strong summer as well. 

Tyler Vaughns has proved to be a bit of a clutch player and has made his case to at the very least make the practice squad. 

The biggest disappointment all summer was Calvin Austin, but that is only because he missed so much time with an injury and didn’t get to participate in any of the preseason games. When he is finally healthy, this will be an extremely talented group. 

The Steelers are still the Steelers

Despite the retirement of Big Ben, the Steelers will still be the Steelers this season. They’ll have a focus on defense, and a scrappy and clutch enough offense to win some games. 

They likely won’t be pretty wins, but they’ll be wins nonetheless. One of the biggest things that this team showcased in the preseason is that they still know how to win football games, and that is a skill that at the very least, will keep them interesting all season long.