The Pittsburgh Steelers completed their first game of the 2023 preseason, and it was one a good one. Kenny Pickett impressed once again, the wide receiver core took to new heights with George Pickens and Calvin Austin III leading the way, and the defense generated seven tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception. But the preseason mainly focuses on how well the rookies will perform in a real game, and many Steeler rookies showed up big time.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5042-544x306.jpg "Steelers Darnell Washington")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (TWITTER JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Darnell Washington plays a little catch to warm up at the team's 2023 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Fighting for a Starting Spot
One rookie stood out in his preseason debut: Nick Herbig. Herbig played phenomenally throughout his time in the game, racking up three tackles, two quarterback hits, one and a half sacks and a tackle for loss. Herbig was riding a lot of hype coming into the 2023 preseason and he proved his practice performances weren't any fluke. Herbig flew all over the field, masterfully maneuvering through the offensive line and getting to the quarterback quickly.
Herbig is playing with his brother, Nate Herbig, and has found a groove with the Steelers. Hailing from Wisconsin, Nick already has a tight connection with TJ Watt, giving him an exceptional mentor and an edge against the competition. Nick consistently won his battles against the offensive line, generating a lot of pressure and quarterback hurries.
Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin linebacker Nick Herbig finished the regular 2022 season leading the Big Ten in sacks (11) and tackles for a loss (15.5).
BT Potter, a rookie placekicker for the Steelers, was perfect in his first NFL game. Potter drained all three of his extra point attempts as well as acing two field goals, with his longest coming from 43 yards out. While the Steelers aren't necessarily in the market for a new placekicker with veteran, Chris Boswell leading the way, it's still comforting to see Potter perform as well as he did.
The Shaky Starts
Some Steelers rookies didn't turn as many heads in their first preseason game as Nick Herbig. Jordan Byrd struggled some in his first game, but did have some decent returns at the kickoff returner slot. He didn't make any impact on the receiving side of the ball, only catching one pass for six yards. He couldn't generate any separation from the Buccaneers defensive backs and was on the receiving end of some hard hits.
Offensive tackle, Broderick Jones had an on-and-off game and couldn't seem to find his sweet spot. He would make some great blocks and create room for the quarterback or running back on one play, then get pushed into the quarterback's lap the next. Jones was very inconsistent in his first game, but that doesn't mean he'll be bad. He needs to work on winning the push at the snap and keeping control of his body, which will come with time. He was also very fortunate to scoop up a fumble that he arguably caused. Overall, it wasn't a stellar look for the first-round pick, but he showed a lot of promise.
Associated Press via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers offensive line coach, Pat Meyer (left) and rookie left tackle, Broderick Jones (right) work together during 2023 offseason activities.
The Steelers Remaining Questions
As there always will be, there are still some remaining questions regarding the Steelers 2023 rookie class. Unfortunately, no one got to see Joey Porter Jr on the field in this first preseason game, as he's still nursing an ankle injury he suffered during practice. Porter Jr. has some of the biggest upside in this rookie class. He is consistently getting first-team reps and is working against one of the Steelers top receiver in Pickens. Porter Jr. has proven his prowess in man coverage, consistently being able to follow and lock down any receiver in his coverage of choice.
He struggles a little following and staying in his zone coverage, and that dates back to his Penn State days. Recently, Porter Jr.'s tackling has been called into question, as he was out-dueled almost every time during one-on-one tackling drills in practice. Only a true game will show how Porter Jr. can play, and we hope to see in preseason Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.
Rookie tight end, Darnell Washington also threw up some question marks to start the preseason. He was only targeted once, catching that pass for a nine-yard gain. While he continues to look solid in blocking sets, he's known to be not much of a vertical threat and that could hurt his placement on the roster. Overall, we didn't get to see enough of him in the first preseason game to make a conclusive decision, but he's definitely a case all Steelers fans should be watching.
What rookie impressed you most during the first preseason game? Which rookie seems to be having some growing pains? Let us know in the comments!
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