Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins - Preview

by seton hall and steelers on Aug 10, 2011 2:35 PM EDT

Football will finally begin again for the Steelers on Friday when they face the Washington Redskins in their first preseason game. This will be the first time the Steelers will play since their devastating defeat one Sunday last February. Anyways, here are my players to watch and a prediction.

Players to Watch

Limas Sweed: We all want to see if Sweed can finally live up to his #1 WR potential. This is his first of four chances to earn a roster spot and with Emmanuel Sanders ruled out of Friday's game, Sweed will likely get significant playing time.
Keenan Lewis: Lewis has a ton of talent and maybe this is the year he can stop being so dumb. He has the tools to be our #2 corner this year and I really hope he shines on Friday
Anthony Gray: Gray will have a tough time making the roster but he can make strides towards making the team with a good game on Friday. He has a ton of talent and now he gets to show it.
Baron Batch: Batch will be trying to make the team as a the 4th RB and he can show his talent on the field now. He has had a great camp so far and now he can prove himself.
Weslye Saunders: Saunders has great talent and physical tools and he can show his talents on Friday. He will likely get reps with the second team and we know he can catch passes but he needs to show that he can block as well.
Jonathan Scott: He will likely be our starting LT this year so I want to see how he does. I think he will shine in his limited playing time on Friday.
Chris Scott: He has looked great in camp so far and he could possible start on Friday at LG because Kemo is out. If he does get the start, it will be interesting to see how he looks.
Stevenson Sylvester: He has been having an awesome camp and I want to see what he does on the field. I think he is the replacement for Farrior but he needs to start proving himself.
Ziggy Hood and Cameron Heyward: I know they are two players and should be on two bullets but I am saving the last spot for a special player. I am really interested in seeing if Hood can continue to reek havoc on the opposing teams offense like he did last year and I really want to see what Heyward is made of.
KING ISAAC REDMAN: He will be the 2nd RB on the depth chart and I want to see him go beast mode.

Prediction: Steelers: 28 Redskins: 14

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Comments

Right now with Limas, I just want to see him make tough catches and have a multi td game, how great would that be for confidence? I think he paid his dues, had some set backs, and hopefully he can match his potential with on the field play!

by Light Dweller on Aug 10, 2011 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

With McFadden & Allen out...

Lewis will get a ton of looks. C. Scott & Williams are going to be battling for OG duties. All the young LB’s will be interesting in their own right. Go STEELERS!

Oh…nice post by the way!

"We have met the enemy and he is us" - Pogo (1970)

by Andy34 on Aug 10, 2011 3:33 PM EDT reply actions

What about Brown...

He miss some time with minor injuries but he still i the running for the #3 or even #2 spot if he shows enough.

by Steel34D on Aug 10, 2011 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

No doubt, but...

I think he is still a little dinged up. Not ruled out yet, but may be reduced somewhat in the amount of time they play him? On the other hand they may throw him into the fire!

"We have met the enemy and he is us" - Pogo (1970)

by Andy34 on Aug 10, 2011 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Sweed

has got to step up big, if he doesn’t, I can’t see him securing a spot on the roster, he has all of the physical attributes and has been given all the time in the world to come around, as the song goes “It’s now or never”.

I am most interested in seeing the production of Lewis and Batch, I already love Redman.

"I personally don't subscribe to that hocus-pocus. What happened in the other games will have no bearing on the outcome of this game. Each individual performance stands on its own. We're not buying into that."

Mike Tomlin - When asked about beating the Ravens three times in one season in 2008-2009 season.

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Aug 10, 2011 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

Batch

I am personally very excited about the potential of Baron Batch. I continue to think that he was a real value for his position taken in the draft. I can’t really put my finger on it as to why, but I would be willing to bet that within a couple of years Batch will be a major contributor. Obviously, only time will tell, but I like his chances….

"I don't want to see anyone injured, but I'm not opposed to hurting anyone" - James Harrison

by LifelongSteelerFanInVa on Aug 10, 2011 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

just read that Batch got injured in practice

looks to be a knee injury, really unfortunate

by blitzzburgh on Aug 10, 2011 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Bummer

by jglo on Aug 10, 2011 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

All Sweed has to do is catch what is thrown at him

People need to be fair and accept the fact that he may drop a hard catch that is out of reach, or a hospital pass from the QB, but as long as he catches ones that are thrown his way, then its a big step

He really has the ability to get open deep and I hope they throw him a couple bombs. He did it a couple preseasons ago really well, so heres hoping he finds his rhythm. But seriously, 3-4 catches for 50+ yards I would be pretty happy with from him

A long way from Pittsburgh PA, in fact, 8653.2 miles to be precise. My blood still bleeds black and gold like the rest of Steeler Nation, proud fan since 2002.

BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia

by Michael Hewitt on Aug 10, 2011 8:02 PM EDT reply actions

"All Sweed has to do is catch what is thrown at him"

Easier said than done for him

"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."

by PCISteeler on Aug 10, 2011 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Ive just seen guys saying he needs to dominate, have multiple TDs etc

No he doesnt. He just needs to show that his head is in the game

If you remember a couple preseasons ago, he was outstanding. Caught everything in sight including a 55 yard bomb from Batch. He can do it, he just has to do it consistently now, and that means catching the ball in meaningless games

Lets not act like hes the only receiver ever to drop a crucial ball

A long way from Pittsburgh PA, in fact, 8653.2 miles to be precise. My blood still bleeds black and gold like the rest of Steeler Nation, proud fan since 2002.

BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia

by Michael Hewitt on Aug 10, 2011 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Somewhere inbetween

I think that we need him to catch what is thrown his way – at the professional level, the most basic of skills is the ability to catch the ball as a WR, of course there will always be missed catches, but at the pro level 85%+ of balls that hit your hands should be caught. We are not talking about YAC, or going after the tough balls, just catch what gets thrown your way to start. That always drove me nuts about N. Washington, seemed like he could catch the hard stuff, but not the easy stuff, and he got released…

Mike Tomlin - When asked about beating the Ravens three times in one season in 2008-2009 season.

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Aug 11, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

N. Washington didn't get released

he bolted for a chance to start and more money in Tennessee. I am pretty certain the Steelers would have loved to have him back as a third receiver. I get what you’re saying though, and agree with the rest.

by Simonsen on Aug 11, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Poor terminology

sorry, bad wording. I know the Steelers did want to keep him on board, Titans were paying more – okay, so bad analogy, rest still sticks. LOL

Mike Tomlin - When asked about beating the Ravens three times in one season in 2008-2009 season.

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Aug 11, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Yup I think I said the same up there ^ somewhere

Catch what is thrown to you, especially if it is on the money

A long way from Pittsburgh PA, in fact, 8653.2 miles to be precise. My blood still bleeds black and gold like the rest of Steeler Nation, proud fan since 2002.

BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia

by Michael Hewitt on Aug 12, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Jonathan Scott and Isaac Redman

I don’t think either faces legit competition for their position, so this game should just be the first tune-up, take it easier and don’t get hurt.

Limas Sweed: If the man’s hands could be as good as Nate Washington’s he’d be a great weapon. He doesn’t have to catch everything, anything over 50% would have value.

Sylvester and Hood: Don’t think there is much pressure on them, they have played in a good number of games and shown they can play. I don’t expect them to be looking to really shine.

Lewis: Man needs to start playing like a veteran. Show you know the plays and can handle the roller coaster of an NFL game. I think he’ll make a mark this year. Maybe I should say I really hope he does.

A. Gray, K. Williams, C. Scott, Heyward: Big guys that have shown signs of being Football players. Every single one of them at key positions where we need depth and future talent. The reason I watch preseason games, to see guys like this show their stuff for the first time.

by Phantaskippy on Aug 11, 2011 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

Tomlin's view of

Steelers vs Skins

"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.

by alfresco on Aug 11, 2011 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

I love

Listening to Tomlin. I would follow him anywhere.

Mike Tomlin - When asked about beating the Ravens three times in one season in 2008-2009 season.

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Aug 11, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm going to miss the game

But I heard it is on NFL Network at 4 tomorrow. So I won’t be visiting the site until then. I will probably right my second version of Camp Battles as I watch it.

Back on the Sweed train. Choo Choo!
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller

by John Stephens on Aug 12, 2011 9:41 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks

for the heads up on the game being on the NFL network at 3 central time tomorrow.

by steeler fever on Aug 12, 2011 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Is there a way to watch the game online??

I already have the DVR set up for tomorrow.. but do NOT want to wait another day.

I want Holyfield! You've seen what these guns can do in the Middle East. Now I'm gunna show you what they can do in the ring.
-The late and GREAT Chris Farley- RIP

by Steel_D_43 on Aug 12, 2011 10:02 AM EDT reply actions