What To Watch For - Steelers vs NY Giants - Preseason Game 1

Most football fans look at NFL Preseason Games and say "Who cares...these games are meaningless."  This is true, but I wouldn't go as far to say that these games are completely meaningless.  These games can decide who makes and doesn't make your favorite team.  If you are like me, you want to know your roster.  If you want to know your roster and the young players potential...then you enjoy the preseason.  Also, how often do you get to watch a Steelers game and NOT get extremely stressed over every single play!  Here are some thing to focus on to make the game a little more interesting for your viewing pleasure.

- Offensive Style - There has been a lot of reporting regarding Todd Haley's comfort level and Ben Roethlisberger "buying in" to the new offense.  Its time to kick the tires and see what the offense does.  Is it dink and dunk, or a more vertical threat passing team.  Do they rely on the run, or try to go 50/50 with the run to pass ratio.  I am aware the starters will most likely play a series and that's all, but Todd Haley will still be calling the plays when the starters aren't in...so pay attention to situational play calls.  Red Zone, short yardage, and how conservative he is calling the game. 

- The "Trenches" - The offensive and defensive lines are two spots on the field that EVERY Steeler fan should be watching closely.  The "green" Offensive line with a ton of 2nd year players along with the unproven Defensive line (except for Brett Keisel).  How does Ziggy Hood, Cam Heyward, and Steve Mclendon play in their time in the game?  How will David DeCastro play now that and fellow line mate Mike Adams have a year under their belt.  What will this new "Zone Blocking" scheme look like and will it reap benefits??  This is all worth keeping a VERY CLOSE look on even in Preseason game number 1.

- Pressure Defense - To be honest, the past 2 seasons the Steelers haven't put a lot of pressure on the opposing team's QB.  Whether its injuries to James Harrison or Lamarr Woodley...the pressure just hasn't been there.  The Steelers invested a number 1 draft pick in Jarvis Jones to do just that...rush the passer.  It reminds me of Bill Cowher telling Greg Lloyd "Just RUSH THE PASSER!"  The pressure on the QB will have a direct correlation to more turnovers.  They go hand and hand.  Whether the Steelers can get to the QB and put pressure on the gun slinger from opposing teams will ultimately define this year's defense, in my opinion.  Reports out of Latrobe are saying that more pressure from the Defensive Line is expected.  Players like Mclendon, Heyward, Hood, and even Keisel are more than capable of putting pressure on the QB...whether it works is a different story.

- Depth at ALL Positions - One thing that is enjoyable about the preseason is getting to watch some players that are a "few years away" from being a player for the Black and Gold.  Players like Troy Polamalu when he was drafted.  Troy showed sparks of brilliance, but you knew...this man was going to be special.  I look forward to seeing Jarvis Jones, Shamarko Thomas, Markus Wheaton, Landry Jones, and others as potential stars for the Steelers in the near future.  Taking a look at the depth at positions is always fun for me, and something that Steelers fans should enjoy doing as well.

- Position Battles - Who isn't excited to see what Le'veon Bell can do with the #1s, as well as Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman fighting to keep their jobs on this Steelers team.  What about the OLB position?  Will Jason Worilds keep his job, or will Jarvis Jones take it from him?  What about Punter?  Sounds silly, but Butler has an experienced veteran breathing down his neck.  How will the Tight Ends fair without Heath Miller, David Johnson, and Matt Spaeth?  All of these questions get answered ON THE FIELD, and the first answers we get come tonight at 7:30.  To say I'm excited is an understatement! 

- STAY HEALTHY - The Steelers have already suffered some critical injuries (Plaxico Burress, Matt Spaeth, Cortez Allen) but staying healthy throughout this preseason will ALWAYS be huge for EVERY NFL team, not just the Steelers.  Everyone grab a rosary and say a prayer that the Steelers stay healthy tonight and we don't experience another David DeCastro injury in Buffalo last year.  Prayers are welcomed to whatever you believe in...Jobu even accepts prayers for the Steelers! (Don't get the Jobu reference?  Go watch Major League)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Giants
Heinz Field - 7:30pm EST
NFL Network