Steeler Nation , we are now heading for preseason game number 3. The Steelers will face a quality opponent in the Atlanta Falcons. This should be a good test on both offense and defense. The third game is always one of the more interesting as far as preseason games go. The Steeler's starters will see more playing time and the coaching staff will game plan for the opponent much more than in the previous preseason games.
The Steelers are treating this as if it was a regular season work week , to get the younger guys accustom to what a normal work week will be and to help ease the veterans and coaches into regular season mode.
This is the preseason game that could make or break a lot of players.There won't be much more time to show the coaches what your capable of in game time conditions.
The Steelers would like to settle on an offensive line starting line up for the regular season soon . Tony Hills will again start this game at right guard and if Jonathan Scott is unable to go at left tackle, it will be rookie tackle Marcus Gilbert. Hills could finally crack the starting lineup with a good showing at right guard. Gilbert will get valuable experience going against Atlanta's first team defense. This could be a great opportunity for Gilbert to show the Steelers what type of player they drafted.
The Steelers also will take a look at offensive lineman Trai Essex who they resigned this week He reportedly was out of shape this off season and now looks to be fit and ready to go. Lets hope so because he could add valuable depth ,as he is capable of playing any position along the line when in shape.
They also want to see where cornerback Bryant McFadden is as far as injuries. He may see his first action in this game but is still questionable. He needs to show that he is ready for the season and ready to rebound from last season's late sub par play .
Cornerback Keenan Lewis continues to show great improvement and may be able to step ahead of McFadden with a few more good outings. He defiantly will be tested in this game vs. Atlanta's wide receiving core . This game should be a great opportunity for Lewis
The Steeler's offense continues to look very potent with weapons a plenty . Wide receiver Antonio Brown seems primed to snatch the third receiver spot with Emmanuel Sanders still on the mend. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery seems to be a great pick up so far and is a lock to make the team.
One interesting question will be if they keep wide receiver Arnaz Battle or Tyler Grisham as a number 6 reciever. Both players had a descent training camp and preseason games so far. Another will be the third tight end position . With Heath Miller and David Johnson at the one and two spots , It looks like its between veteran TE John Gilmore and Rookie Wesyle Suanders . Gilmore the seasoned vet and Saunders the young player with a lot of up side and potential .
It looks as if the punting duties will be won by Dan Sepulveda as he continues his outstanding punting this preseason.
The kicking duties are leaning heavily toward kicker Shaun Suisham after Swayze Waters poor outing last week.
The Steelers still need to answer that age old question, do they keep Charlie Batch for the third QB spot or Dennis Dixon ?
Regardless of all these questions after Saturday nights game at Heinz field the Steelers should have a clearer picture of how the 2011 roster will shape up.
Who will step up and seize their opportunity ? That and more will come to light Saturday night.
Steeler Nation , thanks for reading my latest post and feel free to comment ! Spread the word about the blog and remember you can follow me and the blog on Twitter @STEELERSNSTUFF.
Later ,Steeler Nation Go Steelers! Steeler Nation 4 Life!
Link to watch
Mike Tomlin's Press conference 8-25-11
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