The Pittsburgh Steelers capped off an undefeated preseason after winning their third and final exhibition match-up versus the Detroit Lions on Sunday. One of the final parts of the off-season process will be reducing the roster from 80 to 53 players by Tuesday at 4:00 PM ET. Most guys have solidified their spots on the roster, but the team still has several holes that need to be fixed and addressed. Whether it be due to injuries or poor play at a specific position, adjustments are going to be necessary if the Steelers want to be competitive in a tough division and conference. This should be a busy week for the organization. It all starts with the big men up front.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive linemen warm up during 2022 OTA's at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Steelers.com
1.) Offensive Line
Head Coach, Mike Tomlin did not shy away from calling the line out after a poor performance in the second preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was right to do so as the Jaguars defensive front bullied the entire Steelers offensive line. The last two games, the rushing attacked carried the ball 34 times and only had 81 yards on the ground to show for it. That is a horrible sign, even if Najee Harris only had four of those 34 touches.
Three of the expected starting offensive line were flagged for holding Sunday afternoon including two from left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. The pass protection was a bit better than in prior weeks, but the group did not do themselves any favors. The front office should be very active this week in signing players who are released unexpectedly or even trading for a guy who could make an impact and push one of the starters for his job.
2.) Edge Rusher
The injury T.J. Watt suffered on Sunday appears to be far from serious, but how functional would the defense be with him out? He can't be replaced, but there is a serious lack of depth at the position. This is nothing against Hamilcar Rashed Jr. or Derrek Tuszka. The team simply needs to have more depth and use an addition the proper way, unlike last year with Melvin Ingram III.
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The Steelers have led the league in sacks for five straight years and a lot of the damage has been done by Watt. That doesn't change the fact that depth is necessary at every position in the NFL and the organization has to do its due diligence looking around for help this week.
3.) Safety
What once was looked at as a deeper positional group on the team has completely turned around. Karl Joseph is out for the season with an ankle injury, and following Sunday's contest against Detroit, it was announced that Damontae Kazee is also expected to land on IR. The team did claim Elijah Riley this past week, but Kazee is a tough loss. He fit in with the defense and was playing well throughout training camp and the preseason.
The defense is going to lead the way for Tomlin's team this year and there are issues to address with the run defense and third down woes already. It is essential that the safety position receives a boost and the franchise brings someone in who can not only help with the depth at the position, but make a difference if he has to play significant snaps.
4.) Inside Linebacker
Sure, Devin Bush made a great play to stop the Lions on fourth down on Sunday. But that was pretty much the only highlight of his preseason. The Steelers can't afford to have a weak run defense in 2022 and the preseason play has looked as if the defense might be headed in that direction.
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Myles Jack will be a consistent member of the unit, but Bush and Robert Spillane have not done much to solidify their spots in the starting lineup, let alone the roster. Rookie, Mark Robinson has played well for a seventh rounder, but won't be the immediate solution here. General Manager, Omar Khan needs to be on the phone this week with anyone who can help this position.
What are the key positions that the Steelers need to address this week? Let us know in the comments below!
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