Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Starters Who Must Step Up in the Third Preseason Game

The third NFL preseason game is usually when starters play the most snaps and get the most work. It's kind of like the final tune-up before a big race.

This is also the game when a lot of roster spots and position battles are decided.

Here's a look at five starters who need to step up for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their third preseason game.

William Gay

Gay was re-signed in the offseason, which came as a surprise to many, but made sense when looking at the Steelers' depth chart and the fact that the offseason was going to be very short for anyone trying to learn the team’s complex defense.

Unfortunately, Gay has been pressed into starting duty, along with Keenan Lewis. Realistically, Gay is fighting with Lewis to be the team’s nickelback and third corner.

Gay has never been an impressive starter and has continued that trend this year. He will need to step up his work in this preseason game, where the starters will likely play the longest, or risk that his roster spot will be in jeopardy when the final cuts happen.

Both Ike Taylor and Byrant McFadden are on track to be ready for the opener.

Mike Wallace

It’s hard to knock Mike Wallace. He’s had two stellar seasons with the Steelers and looks poised to at least challenge his personal goal of 2,000 receiving yards.

He just hasn’t been there in the preseason, though.

Starters usually get the most time in the third game. This will likely be Wallace’s last chance to really get tuned up for a season that’s important to him and to the team. The consequences aren’t really that severe if he fails, but it would be a big confidence boost for him to step it up.

The Steelers will need Wallace once the season starts because of Emmanuel Sanders’ injury and Hines Ward’s age. A big year from him could put the team back in the Super Bowl; a step backward could be fatal to the team’s playoff hopes.

Jonathan Scott

If he’s healthy and plays, Scott needs to play well. He’s slated to be the starter for the Steelers at left tackle, a position vital to their offensive success.

So far, Scott has looked like anything but a starter at this key position.

The problem for the Steelers is they have no one capable to replace him with. They’ve let Flozell Adams and Max Starks walk away, and they’ve tried Marcus Gilbert without much more success. They’ve now brought in Trai Essex, although he could be used at guard to give Ramon Foster a chance at tackle.

The Steelers need Scott to succeed.

Scott put up some nice performances in the playoffs, but he’s nowhere near that realm right now. If he can’t get healthy and consistent on the field, the team will have to find some other option—even if it means opening the checkbook again.

Rashard Mendenhall

Maybe this is nitpicking a little bit, but Isaac Redman has been more impressive than anyone in the backfield so far this preseason. Mendenhall hasn’t been bad, but he hasn’t been very noticeable either in two games, beyond his one-handed grab against the Eagles.

There’s no chance he doesn’t start, obviously, but it would be nice if Mendenhall could put together a nice game against the Falcons and get really tuned up for the season. This is a big year for him to prove he belongs among the top backs in the league.

One of the most concerning things about Mendenhall's 2010 season was the inconsistency in production. If he can get on track now, he should be able to really set himself up for a big year and possibly even a Pro Bowl nod.

Keenan Lewis

We’re going to bookend this article with another corner.

Lewis is on the opposite end of the spectrum from Gay. He’s now playing to move up the depth chart instead of playing for his job. His work so far has done nothing but secure his position.

Lewis can still improve, however; one big game does not a career make.

He needs to prove that he’s not only developed, but that he can also deliver regularly. Lewis is closing in on unseating William Gay, but getting a lot of time in another big game would seal it pretty well.

Right now, Lewis is ahead of Gay. Both guys are likely to start and go head-to-head in some ways on Saturday night. Lewis has more at stake; he’s younger and wants to eventually be a starter.

There’s no better time than now to prove he can be that guy.