Steelers vs. Bills - Preseason Wk 3 - What to Watch For



The Last Trip to Buffalo Wasn't Very
Kind to "Big Ben"

 Its time for the "final dress rehearsal".  Thats right, its Preseason Week 3, and in the NFL that means the starters will play about a half, and maybe then some depending on how that first stint goes.  Nonetheless, just like every time the Steelers play there are plenty of things to "watch for" during the game.  I was happy when the Steelers won a preseason game based on the fact that no team that has lost all 4 preseason games has won the Superbowl since the '93 Redskins...I believe (don't take that for Gospel, I didn't really feel like looking it up!).  Without further ado, here is what all Steeler fans should "Watch For" Saturday night when the Steelers travel to Buffalo:

- Big Max Starks Returns to Starting Lineup - The Mike Adams experiment didn't go as planned for the Steelers.  It isn't that he doesn't have tons of potential, but that it seems he just isn't ready quite yet for the starting job.  Who do you call?  No, not Ghostbusters...Max Starks.  Max Starks looks to test his surgically repaired knee for the first time this Saturday in what should be the first glimpse of the starting offensive line come week 1 in Denver.  The line should look like this (from left to right) LT - Max Starks, LG - Willie Colon, C - Maurkice Pouncey, RG - David DeCastro, RT - Marcus Gilbert.  I hope this unit comes out and makes a statement with their play protecting Ben and opening up holes for the RBs.

- Isaac Redman to Carry 'the Rock' - So it looks like Mike Tomlin didn't read my note (if you haven't seen the note go to the main page and scroll down).  I suggested that the Steelers and Tomlin should remove Redman from the lineup due to his importance to the team this year until Mendenhall returns.  I realize running backs need repetitions to get back into the timing of the plays, but you can't risk getting someone that is going to be your starting RB going into Week 1 injured (or re-injuring a previous injury).  Lets just hope Redzone Redman carries the rock, stays healthy, and gets out of dodge!

- Can the Defense Continue the Turnover Trend? - The Steelers defense caused 3 INTs against the Colts last week and that almost was half of their total all of last regular season.  I know, its the preseason, but the fact that they are getting after the QB and causing turnovers is a good thing no matter when you play.  The question is can they do it against a more experienced QB like Ryan Fitzpatrick in Buffalo.  This team / defense can be unbeatable if they actually cause turnovers on a consistent basis.  It all depends on if they can get to the QB.  Woodley got into the action vs the Colts, but others (Larry Foote and Lawrence Timmons) need to get into the mix as well if they are going to be a dominant defense that gets after the opponent and wins the turnover battle...not to mention pick up the slack for an injured James Harrison.

- Offense Start to Spread the Love - The Steelers' offense has been bland to say the least, but I don't want to hear the "Mike Wallace isn't in there" excuses.  One of the problems is that Roethlisberger is really only throwing to Antonio Brown and maybe Emmanuel Sanders.  Its time to get the others involved.  Jerricho Cotchery is very capable along with TE Heath Miller.  The coaching staff has stated that the Steelers approached this week as if it were a regular season preparation week.  With that said, I'm hoping to see the ball get spread around to more than a couple receivers.  This offense can be lethal with or without Wallace, and its time they start tapping into that turning long, time consuming drives into Touchdowns...not Field Goals.

- Battle to Make the 53-Man Roster - We all know the starters that will play the first half, but this is also the game where the young players who weren't drafted in the top rounds, or weren't drafted at all are running out of time to show the coaching staff what they are made of.  One of the most exciting battles is the battle for the 5th WR spot.  Typically, the Steelers don't run too many 5-receiver sets, but the person that makes the roster will also have to play special teams.  It seems like it is coming down to 3 different players: David Gilreath, Toney Clemons, and Marquize Maze.  Maze and Gilreath both have capabilities to return the football as a punt returner or kick returner.  Although Maze and Gilreath have versatility on their side, Clemons has the size advantage.  Clemons stands at 6'2" while Maze is listed at 5'8" and Gilreath 5'10".  Needless to say this battle could come down to the last snap of the final preseason game next Thursday at Heinz Field.

Those are some of the things you can watch for as you watch the starters, and the backups, in the game Saturday at Buffalo to face off against the Bills.  Does anyone else feel like its time to end the preseason and get to games that count??