5 Players to Watch for in Pittsburgh Steelers' 3rd Preseason Game
Could we see a preview of the Super Bowl this weekend? It is possible as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Although it is only the preseason, both teams figure to make a strong run this season and could eventually meet again for the title.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, the Steelers will enter their third preseason game looking to continue the growth process as the regular season approaches. Part of this process is the continued development of players, including several who lack experience but are making a push to make the final roster.
Although the Steelers still have three preseason games remaining, every snap can make a difference for a player battling for a spot on the depth chart. Here are five players to watch for as the Steelers play their first home preseason game of 2015 against the Packers.
S/LB Ian Wild
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Ian Wild has made a name for himself in recent days, and head coach Mike Tomlin took notice, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Tomlin approached safety-turned-ILB Ian Wild as he walked off field:“Hey, Ian, good work man! You look like you know what you’re doin, huh?”
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 17, 2015
As Adamski noted, not only has Wild lined up at safety, but he has stepped up at inside linebacker as well. With the final few spots on the roster often reserved for special teams players, Wild is sure making an impression.
“I’m just trying to make the team,” Wild said, according to Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com. “Help however I can, on special teams and on defense wherever they need me.”
Not only is he willing to play on special teams, but his versatility as a reserve at multiple defensive positions will only help him in his quest to make the final 53. Now as the preseason begins to dwindle, Wild must take advantage of his opportunities, and those begin Sunday.
WR Sammie Coates
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After a slow start to training camp, Sammie Coates is coming on fast.
In the first preseason game, Coates only hauled in one pass for 12 yards but followed it up with a team-leading five receptions for 52 yards last week. One of those grabs included a tip-toe catch along the sideline.
Even with his improvement, Coates still has a lot to prove in the eyes of Tomlin.
“He’s gotta get in better condition,” Tomlin said following Pittsburgh’s preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Prisuta of Steelers.com. “Fatigue was a factor, like it is with a lot of young guys. He’s gotta get better in that regard.”
“I think the more in shape he gets in terms of NFL-wide receiver shape, the more we’re going to see his skill set, like that sideline catch,” in Jacksonville, Tomlin said. “Until he does, it’s going to be up and down."
Despite his improvement in game situations, Coates still needs to work hard in practice. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported offensive coordinator Todd Haley called out the rookie receiver for moving in “slow motion” when matched against a linebacker during a one-minute drill.
The Steelers don’t need Coates in a feature role this year, but they would like to continue to see growth on both the practice field and the playing field.
OT Alejandro Villanueva
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West Point graduate and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva’s journey to the NFL is one of the best training camp stories but also one that will end with him on an NFL roster.
Since arriving with the Steelers last season, Villanueva has transformed himself into a viable candidate to make the roster as a backup tackle. Not only are these evaluations coming from camp observers, but also from those inside the organization, according to Amy Fox of ESPN.com:
“By next month, Villanueva hopes to be one of Pittsburgh's final 53. To hear those inside the Steelers' organization tell it, the 26-year-old has a legitimate shot at making the opening-day roster despite not having played in a football game since 2009, his senior year at Army.”
Villanueva spent most of training camp at left tackle before getting work at right tackle this week, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. This wasn’t the only move either, as the coaching staff got more creative Thursday.
Daniel Sager of Steelers Wire reported Villanueva reported eligible during the “Seven Shots” drill. Not only did he report, but had a pass thrown his way, which was broken up by Will Allen.
With a lack of depth at offensive tackle, the Steelers are taking a long look at Villanueva. As his role expands, so do the chances that he makes the team. However, this weekend we will watch closely to see if the Steelers take advantage of his 6’9” frame on a tackle-eligible play.
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WR Martavis Bryant
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He’s only played one preseason game this season, but Martavis Bryant is already becoming must-watch television.
In his 2015 preseason debut, Bryant caught a 44-yard touchdown from Ben Roethlisberger on Pittsburgh’s opening drive. He would finish the game with 55 yards on three receptions and left Steeler Nation buzzing about the type of player he can develop into this season.
Expectations were already high for Bryant following his rookie season in which he produced eight touchdowns and averaged 21.1 yards per reception. This production, combined with his potential, is one of the reasons why Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com selected Bryant as one of his breakout players for this season.
If all goes to plan, Bryant will be much more than a big-play threat this year. Haley has taken notice of Bryant’s work ethic and growth, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com:
“He is doing a good job,” Haley said. “He is much further ahead of where he was last year at this time, as he should be. He is working hard. He knows a lot more of what to do.
“He is more comfortable in general. He has a year under his belt. He is playing faster and using his skill.”
Bryant is in a battle with Markus Wheaton for the No. 2 role in the offense. Before he moves up the depth chart, he must show that he can be a complete route runner in addition to his talent as a deep threat. His progress will be put on full display once again this weekend.
OLB Bud Dupree
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Pittsburgh’s first-round draft choice Bud Dupree is an obvious choice as a “player to watch” simply because of his draft position. However, that is not why he is on the list this week.
Dupree made some waves at practice Wednesday when he was involved in multiple altercations with members of the offensive line.
Generally, this is not something you want to see during practice—especially from a rookie—but it is something that happens and shows fire as players compete for jobs. Given his relatively quiet preseason, maybe this was a bit of a wake-up call for Dupree.
The type of attitude that Dupree displayed fits right in with what the Steelers want to be on defense. Even one of the players he fought with—Marcus Gilbert—appreciated the rookie’s competitive fire.
"We may have let it get too far, but obviously he's our brother and we like to see that nastiness from him,” Gilbert said, per Jacob Klinger of PennLive.com.
Whether it was the grind of training camp or the inability to beat his man, whatever built up inside of Dupree shows that he will not back down to anyone. Maybe this aggressive nature will finally show up in a game in the form of a splash play.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of ESPN.com and roster information is courtesy of Steelers.com. Camp observations obtained firsthand.
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