Steelers vs. Eagles - Preseason Week 1 - What to Watch

Ben & the Boys invade Philly Thursday Night

Some people say they hate the preseason and wish that they just got rid of the 4 games that encompass the preseason.  I, however, disagree with that sentiment.  Sometimes the preseason is the only real time to see what your draft picks look like and how the team is going to look come the regular season.  I realize that the preseason offense won't completely emulate the regular season, but it is a glimpse of what might be, and plus it is a live football game!  Here are some things to watch for while watching the Steelers travel to Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night:

- Todd Haley's Situational Play Calling - Toddy Haley will be calling the entire game regardless of preseason or regular season, and he will be calling plays regardless of who is in the game.  With that said, pay attention for play calls in different situations.  Situations like: 3rd and long, 2nd and short, and anything in the redzone.  I am hoping to see a difference between the way Haley calls plays compared to Bruce Arians.  This might be the thing I'm looking forward to the most out of the preseason!

- The Offensive Line (with 2 Rookies) - I touched on this in my news and notes, but I'm excited to see how the rookies do with NFL caliber talent across from them.  Are they able to open up holes for the running game, or will the get pushed on their backs?  Time will tell, but regardless I think it is safe to say that this year's offensive line might already be better than last year's patchwork group.

- Turnovers - Last season the Steelers' defense couldn't generate any turnovers and the offense turned the ball over when it mattered the most.  Both of these trends need to change, and I think you can certainly tell some things regarding turnovers based on the preseason.  How is Tomlin coaching these players will go a long way with the turnover ratio.  Are Tomlin and Lebeau telling defensive backs to be aggressive, or to play position?  Are the coaches preaching ball security at all times when running with the football?  Turnovers on offense aren't good regardless of week 1 preseason or week 1 regular season.  I'd like to see the defense generate some turnovers and keep that trend going.

- Special Teams - I've bashed Shaun Suisham on this site before, but he needs to have a good camp or the Steelers might be holding another tryout like Bill Cowher did when picking up Jeff Reed.  Suisham isn't the only special teams player to watch.  There is a battle at punter, and don't forget about the return man Chris Rainey.  Watch the little guy run and hopefully make some plays in the return game.

- Emmanuel Sanders and the Wide Receivers - We all know about Mike Wallace being out, but how will Emmanuel Sanders do in his position?  Some are saying he has shown some great promise in training camp, and the Steelers are hoping he shows that on the field.  He has an important job of taking the top off of the defense to allow Jerricho Cotchery and Antonio Brown the underneath work.  The WR core needs to step up their game, the only question mark is how long will the starters play in game 1?

I hope everyone enjoys the game, and I will have a recap on the game on Friday after I get to watch the game (since I'm not in the Pittsburgh viewing area).  GO STEELERS!