Analysis of Position Battles in the Steelers Preseason Week 3
As the NFL preseason enters its final stretch, teams are using these games to evaluate their players and make tough decisions regarding their final roster. The Pittsburgh Steelers, a perennial contender in the AFC, are no exception. In their Week 3 preseason game, several position battles were on display, providing valuable insights into the team’s depth chart and potential impact players for the upcoming regular season.
One of the most intriguing position battles for the Steelers is at the quarterback position. With veteran Ben Roethlisberger entering his 18th season, the team is looking for a reliable backup option. In Week 3, Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins both had opportunities to showcase their skills. Rudolph, who has been with the team since 2018, displayed good command of the offense and made accurate throws. On the other hand, Haskins, a former first-round pick, showed flashes of his potential with his strong arm and mobility. While both quarterbacks had their moments, Rudolph seemed to have the edge in terms of consistency and familiarity with the system.
Another position battle that has garnered attention is at running back. With James Conner departing in the offseason, the Steelers are searching for a reliable replacement. In Week 3, rookie Najee Harris continued to impress with his versatility and explosiveness. Harris displayed excellent vision and patience, finding running lanes and making defenders miss. His ability to contribute in the passing game was also evident as he caught several passes out of the backfield. While Harris seems to have a firm grip on the starting role, Benny Snell Jr. and Kalen Ballage also had solid performances, showcasing their abilities as potential backups.
The wide receiver position battle is always a point of interest for the Steelers, known for their explosive passing attack. In Week 3, Chase Claypool continued to build on his impressive rookie campaign. Claypool displayed his size, speed, and athleticism, making several contested catches and showing his ability to stretch the field. JuJu Smith-Schuster, the team’s number one receiver, also had a solid outing, showcasing his reliable hands and route-running ability. However, it was James Washington who stood out in Week 3, making several acrobatic catches and demonstrating his chemistry with the quarterbacks. With a crowded receiving corps, the Steelers have a wealth of talent to choose from, making this position battle one to watch.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers have a few position battles that are worth noting. At cornerback, Joe Haden and Cameron Sutton are expected to start, but the battle for the nickel corner position is still up for grabs. In Week 3, rookie Tre Norwood made a strong case for himself with his physicality and ball skills. Norwood displayed good instincts and awareness, breaking up passes and making tackles in open space. Another position battle to watch is at inside linebacker, where Devin Bush is returning from injury. In Week 3, Robert Spillane and Buddy Johnson both had solid performances, showcasing their ability to stuff the run and drop into coverage.
Overall, the Steelers’ Week 3 preseason game provided valuable insights into the team’s position battles and potential impact players for the upcoming regular season. While some battles seem to be leaning towards certain players, others remain wide open, ensuring fierce competition in the final preseason game. As the Steelers make their final roster decisions, these position battles will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the team’s success in the 2021 NFL season.
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