Loading ...The first preseason game for Pittsburgh Steelers is in the books, with a 24-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Steelers came back with a big play of their own, when rookie running back Chris Rainey took a swing pass from quarterback Jerrod Johnson 57-yards for a touchdown to go up 20-13. Rainey, who has created a buzz at training camp, has been one of the bright spots of the game as well and looks like a keeper.
The Eagles came back with a fourth quarter touchdown pass from Trent Edwards to take a 21-20 lead. However, that was short lived as Johnson led the Steelers downfield for a 42-yard Danny Hrapman field goal putting the Steelers up 23-21. Unfortunately, the reserves could not stop the Eagles in the two-minute arena, allowing Edwards to drive the Eagles downfield, where kicker Alex Henery connected on a 51-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining putting the Eagles up 24-23.
Positives:
Besides the performance of Rainey, running back Baron Batch showed toughness and vision with a solid performance in his first game action after suffering a torn ACL during training camp in 2011. The former seventh round selection was able to carry the ball both inside and outside and looked a lot more physical than when he burst onto the scene during camp in 2011.
Linebacker Brandon Johnson an unrestricted free agent signee from the Cincinnati Bengals had a solid game at outside linebacker both as a pass rusher and in coverage. With the Steelers lacking experienced depth on the outside, Johnson could pay dividends as the season moves on. Another linebacker who came to play was undrafted rookie free agent Adrian Robinson from Temple. The 6-1, 250-pound outside linebacker played physical, and held his own in coverage during the second half.
One player who seemed to be all over the field was defensive back Myron Rolle, the futures signee from Florida State. The former Rhodes Scholar looked comfortable at safety and on special teams. A cerebral player, his development should be watched throughout the remained of camp. Yes, he whiffed on the third Eagles touchdown, but he was one of the brighter spots in the secondary in the second half.
Negatives:
The rebuilt offensive line seemed to struggle with the up-field edge rushers of the Eagles. This was extremely evident in tackle Mike Adams, who gave up 2.5 sacks in roughly 10-plays, prior to leaving with a knee injury. This was not just on Adams, as Roethlisberger and Leftwich were sacked four-times in the first half. On top of that, the line generated very little movement in the running game (especially in the red zone).
That lack of a red zone rushing game seemed to bog the team down in that area. Yes, this is the first preseason game, but that was one of the reasons for the offensive changes on the offseason, and it is something that also must be monitored as preseason continues.
One of the biggest stories will be injuries. Three Steelers left the game due to injury and will not return, Adams, running back Jonathan Dwyer (two carries for 40 yards) with a shoulder and tight end / fullback David Johnson with a knee injury. Of those three announced injuries, Johnson’s looks to be the most serious.
Also,
- Be sure to "like" Steelers 101 on Facebook and to follow Steelers 101 on Twitter
- Text "oneteam" to 20222 to donate $10 to the One Team for the Lights charity initiative.
- Be sure to “like” Sports Media 101 on Facebook and to follow Sports Media 101 on Twitter
Related Videos
Returning Soon!!!!No related posts.
Short URL: http://sport-ne.ws/ilm
