STEELERS FANS WERE OUT IN FULL FORCE for the Aug. 21 home contest against the Detroit Lions, a 26-20 Steelers win. (Photo by Courier photographer Brian Cook Sr.)
by Brandon Walker, For New Pittsburgh Courier
As we all know, the second-to-last preseason game is the dress rehearsal for the regular season. As I observed the Steelers’ 26-20 preseason victory over the Detroit Lions on Aug. 21, I came away with a few key takeaways:
- Ben Roethlisberger’s arm looks healthier two years removed from elbow surgery.
- Pat Freiermuth has come a long way since the start of camp
- Alex Highsmith is going to be the next breakout star player on the Steelers Defense and have a deeper pass-rush rotation
- Kevin Ballage is the Steelers’ second-best running back
- The key to the Steelers success is the offensive line
BRANDON WALKER
Roethlisberger played in three series on Aug. 21, going 8-of-10 for 137 yards and two passing touchdowns. Roethlisberger had a livelier arm than any point last season and is looked up to speed in new offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s system. Both of Ben’s touchdown passes went to Freiermuth, the rookie second-round draft pick (tight end) out of Penn State. When I visited Steelers camp a couple of weeks ago, Freiermuth was getting put to work in one-on-one drills with Highsmith. On Saturday, Aug. 21, I saw more physicality with his in-line blocking and was a very viable red-zone threat for Roethlisberger. He displayed the ability to get past safeties and linebackers. Most importantly he shows the ability to make twisting catches and knowing where he needs to be when Roethlisberger goes off-script.
The Steelers looked dominant on defense and the one player that jumped out to me this preseason is Highsmith. Highsmith, all camp, has been unblockable at times and had two quarterback pressures on Saturday night. If I were to give out a comparison, I would compare him to Lamarr Woodley. Both players needed a year in the system to develop, but broke out in year two and became Pro-Bowlers. He is also learning under veteran pass rusher Melvin Ingram and assisting with his development while also looking to contribute in the Steelers’ pass-rushing rotation.
One person that has stepped up his game throughout camp and preseason is Kevin Ballage. Ballage had seven carries for 30 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards. Ballage is a power back that runs between the tackles and finishes his runs with physicality and has a similar skillset as rookie standout Najee Harris. I believe that Ballage is going to play a major role in establishing a running game because he can break tackles and compensate for an inconsistent offensive line.
As for the offensive line, they played a solid game on Saturday night. The unit going from left to right of Chukwuma Okorafor, Kevin Dotson, Kendrick Green, Trai Turner, and Zach Banner gave up zero sacks on 28 dropbacks to Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph. However, the Steelers only averaged 2.9 yards per carry on Saturday. This is the lineup that the coaches envisioned at the beginning of camp and was the first time they were all available for a game, so it will take time to congeal into a solid unit that can open holes in the running game. Simply put, the offensive line will be the difference between the Steelers defending their AFC North crown and them struggling for a wild card spot.
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