9 Winners From Steelers Victory Over Buccaneers
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their preseason campaign in Tampa Bay and took no time to get things rolling on both sides of the football.
From Kenny Pickett leading the offense to a first-drive touchdown, to late-round rookies showing off their dominance late in the game, the Steelers found plenty of winners.
This was as good of a start as they get to the Steelers exhibition series, with plenty of good to reflect on as they head back to Saint Vincent College.
Kenny Pickett, QB
Pickett played just one series but looked much more comfortable than he did in any game last season. The second-year quarterback had a full offseason to work with his wideouts and develop the chemistry they missed last year.
That chemistry jumped off the screen during the entire drive. His rhythm with Diontae Johnson was evident from the jump, completing three passes for 32 yards. Then, he found George Pickens for a 33-yard touchdown.
His pocket presence was stronger and his ability to throw on the run seemingly only got better. The preseason opener was a great start for Pickett, even in limited action.
George Pickens, WR
George Pickens's goal this season was to add the catch-and-run element to his arsenal. Coming into training camp, he and wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson worked on Pickens's release, allowing him to catch a slant and "take it 60."
Those efforts look to have paid off as Pickens opened the game with a 33-yard touchdown, catching it across the middle, avoiding a tackler and taking it to the house.
It feels like Pickens could reach a superstar level this season, and he didn't wait to start building that resume.
Diontae Johnson, WR
What Diontae Johnson was missing last season was a connection with his quarterback. He never gained traction with Mitch Trubisky and was too quick in his route running for Kenny Pickett.
This year, he got a full summer with Pickett to develop that chemistry, and it's helped tremendously. Not only did Pickett looks confident in his receivers, but Johnson looked confident that his quarterback would find him on his breaks.
Johnson remains possibly the best route runner in the NFL. With Pickens claiming the big plays, having someone who's always open is going to make life so much easier for the Steelers' second-year quarterback.
Kwon Alexander, LB
Mike Tomlin said after Kwon Alexander's first few days of practice that he was a "whoa" player, meaning he was always trying to hit people, make plays and do everything he can to impact a game.
That was immediately evident during the team's preseason opener.
Alexander finished the game with 2 tackles, both coming at or behind the line of scrimmage. He continues to showcase his explosiveness against the run, flying into the backfield to shut down Buccaneers runners, and even identifying a screen pass to stop it at the line (but was unfortunately flagged for the hit).
Alexander was the best inside linebacker on the field for the Steelers during their first exhibition game, and it wasn't because Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb were limited. Holcomb played roughly the same amount of snaps and was less noticeable.
If the trend continues, Alexander could find himself earning a starting job in Pittsburgh.
Anthony McFarland, RB
Anthony McFarland may have put a lock on the Steelers' RB3 spot, exploding in the preseason opener for 18 yards and a touchdown, starting off his night with a bounce outside for a 14-yard score on his second drive.
McFarland has impressed all summer but needed to come into the preseason and continue to perform. Well, leaving Tampa Bay, it appears Mr. July may have become Mr. August, as the fourth-year runner looks sharper in all phases on offense.
If he keeps this up, it's going to be tough for any other runner to beat him out for the final roster spot.
Keanu Benton, DL
The Steelers defensive line struggled in the opening drives, being unable to stop the run or gain any penetration against the Buccaneers. Once Keanu Benton entered the game, that changed.
The combination of Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal was the best defensive line trio the Steelers put on the field all night. Starting with Benton, the group was able to slice through Tampa Bay's offensive line, with their most-notable play coming on a 4th and 1 stop.
The second-rookie carved his way through the line on multiple plays, and if you re-watch the tape, he beats the guard/center on nearly every snap for two straight series.
Unfortunately, Benton's night ended early due to an ankle injury. The severity of the injury is going to impact a lot, but if the rookie can return quickly, he should quickly climb over Montrevius Adams and Breiden Fehoko on the depth chart.
Calvin Austin, WR
Welcome to the NFL, Calvin Austin. It's been a long wait for the second-year wideout, but the speedster finally made his NFL debut, and it was worth the wait.
Austin started his night with a 17-yard jet sweep, followed by a six-yard run afterward. Then, he did what he does best, getting behind the defense for a 67-yard bomb from Mason Rudolph that found the endzone.
Austin showcased exactly why the Steelers love this young receiver. He's as fast as they come and can play both inside and outside. They've tested him all summer to see how good he can be on those deep routes, and it paid off when he got a shot in a real game.
Austin can become a major factor for the team's offense, and a start this strong should boost the coaches' confidence in the second-year player.
Elijah Riley, CB
Elijah Riley and Chandon Sullivan came into the preseason opener in a tight battle for the team's nickelback job. Leaving Tampa Bay, Riley may have the upper hand, finishing the night with two tackles, one coming on special teams and another off the edge for a tackle for loss.
Riley's blitzing ability is what excites the Steelers, and his burst around the corner to chase down a runner in the first half was exactly what he needed to do to boost his place on the roster.
Nick Herbig, LB
Nick Herbig didn't get into the game until the second half, but the fourth-round rookie stole the show once he touched the field.
There was some concern early that a hip flexor injury suffered in training camp was holding him back, but the gameplan must have been for Herbig to get reps late in the game with other backups like Keeanu Benton and DeMarvin Leal.
Herbig was dominant right out of the gates, recording 1.5 sacks and three tackles in the second half alone.
Herbig has lit up training camp, impressing nearly every day the team hit the practice field. In live-game action, everything we saw in practice continued, with his burst being unstoppable and his handwork remaining strong.
This rookie looks sharp and could see a bigger role than expected if he continues to play as he did in the opener.
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