The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive captain, Cam Heyward, is settling into his role as a podcaster. Not Just Football with Cam Heyward dropped on Wednesday with co-host Hayden Walsh. After updating the audience about the All-Pro's ankle injury, the pair discussed the final preseason game against the Detroit Lions. The game will be nationally televised and broadcast on CBS at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
“We have to go in with the opportunity to get better,” Heyward commented. “Both teams are going to be playing most of their starters, at least half the game.”
Since the NFL cut back to three preseason games, the final game has changed from what often was seen as a showcase game for players that are likely to be backups or get cut, to a brief dress rehearsal for the teams. Walsh asked Heyward if they could expect to see the black and gold number 97 on the field.
“I’m looking forward to playing. I want to start getting into a rhythm on the field," Heyward said. "It’s one thing to compete against your guys in practice, but nothing really replaces playing games. I’m looking forward to having a real mock week in practice. This game is very crucial for making the team and making sure we are ready week one.”
Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (Twitter @JSKO Photos)
The Steelers have achieved little clarity at this point on the offensive side of the ball. The running back and receiver groups have been confusing, but in a good way. It seems like any receiver who does not survive the final cut in Pittsburgh, won’t be out of work for long. Tyler Vaughns, Miles Boykin and Steven Sims will not all make the team. Individually, they would all be playing significant roles in other receiving groups. Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland and Benny Snell are also in a close battle to back up Najee Harris which may drag into the regular season.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks, Kenny Pickett (#8), Mitch Trubisky (#10), and Mason Rudolph (#2) participate in the 2022 training camp at the team's South Side facility. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The quarterback battle has shown that Mitch Trubisky appears competent, Kenny Pickett could be a star and Mason Rudolph has improved. The offensive line is not ready, but they have a precious few pieces left to shuffle as the roster currently stands. Outside of the inside linebacker spot, the defense next to Myles Jack is much more stable but a few questions still remain. This means the final preseason game will hopefully go a long way in settling some of these position battles.
“Sometimes in preseason you want to put yourself in the worst possible play to see how you will react," Heyward added. "So, you can see how you are prepared for those moments. We can show a Cover-2 look, which makes us less sturdy in the run game, but makes us better in the back end. A game like this you are playing more situational football.”
Steelers backup defenders have turned the two preseason games late with splash plays. Mark Robinson has especially jumped off the page, and the play calling insight is interesting. When the regular season games start in September, the Steelers can't count on third-string quarterbacks making mistakes to win games. The preseason is a time to experiment with lineups, personnel and packages. Teams are careful about revealing too much during the preseason for a reason. And those thrilling come-from-behind victories from backups feel great, but the halftime score is much more important in August.
The defense will either be much better against the Cincinnati Bengals in a couple of weeks and hold Joe Mixon and Joe Burrow in check, or it may still be a work in progress. If the goal was to put the offensive line in bad situations intentionally, maybe they should stop doing that before they get the quarterback killed. It would be great to see them come out and establish the run since the offense is supposed to be built around that.
What do you think Steeler Nation? What is the most important thing you want to see in a dress rehearsal? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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