Steelers vs. Panthers - Preseason Wk 4 - What to Watch For

Even Game 4 of the Preseason there are
Things to Watch For!

The Preseason comes to a long awaited end tonight in the Steel City as the Carolina Panthers trek to the 'Burgh to play the Steelers.  If you have tickets to this game, I feel sorry for you.  There won't be much to watch for, but you know me...I'll find SOMETHING to either complain about or to say is important for fans to keep an eye on.  Without further ado...the What to Watch For in tonight's preseason action:

- Big Ben / Starters Playing Time - As of last night there were the typical two coaching styles in Game 4 of the preseason.  Bill Belichick surprising let Tom Brady walk onto the field, where Tom Coughlin let Eli warm up and get suited up just to play one series and throw 8 passes (completing 4 of the 8).  I pray that Tomlin follows Beli-cheat's theory on game 4.  If I were coaching (Lord knows that wouldn't be pretty), I would rest the following players - Ben Roethlisberger, Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, Antonio Brown, Maurkice Pouncey, Troy Polamalu, Lamarr Woodley, and I would wrap Byron Leftwich in bubble wrap before he went onto the field.

- Left Tackle Concerns - Max Starks didn't really jump off the screen against the Bills (unless you count him  blocking "Johnny B. Air" and letting Nick Barnett get a solid hit on Big Ben) and there was a reason I didn't have him listed above as a player I would rest.  The guy needs to work out the kinks and get some live action to test his knee, get him in game shape, and be prepared for the games that matter when the Broncos pass rushers (who are pretty good, by the way) come after Ben's head.  I also would like to see Mike Adams put up a damn fight for the job.  So Max Starks is the starting tackle...prove you should be the starter!  This guy looks like a sad teddy bear on the sidelines.  Time to man up and go out there and play with an edge (easy for me to say in the comfort of my house on my couch!).

- The Systems - Not the Players - One thing I always enjoy hearing about the Steelers is how players that leave the team rarely ever peform other places.  There are tons of examples - Santonio Holmes, Chad Brown, Antwaan Randle El, Nate Washington...I could go on and on.  The reason why?  The Steelers are a system team.  It doesn't matter who is in there, all that matters is that you DO YOUR JOB.  With that being said, I want to see the Steelers win tonight.  I want to see the backups move the ball on offense, take it away on defense, and send the Carolina Panthers back to Carolina knowing that the Steelers are not only the better team, but the better organization...PERIOD. 

- Backups Time to Shine - Some of the guys you will see in a Steelers uniform tonight won't have a job on Monday.  With that being said you will see something that you rarely see in the NFL...PURE DESPERATION.  These guys are playing for their jobs, their families, and for most their lively hood.  There isn't much more pressure than that.  Enjoy watching the game in its purest form...not for money, but for the love of the game.

- STAY HEALTHY!!! - One thing you hate to see is a player who is expected to see significant playing time, or a quality backup go down with an injury in this garbage game.  For the love of God, everyone say a Hail Mary to keep the Steelers safe tonight.  Editor's Note - I apologize if I offended anyone who isn't Christian with that last statement.  Pray to whatever being, deity, or animal you want, but keep those Steelers players healthy going into Week 1 of the regular season.