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The second preseason game of any NFL team, in any year, starts to show the shape of the team a whole lot more than the preseason opener. When the Steelers square off with Atlanta today, the black and gold will showcase more weapons than the week before in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. In that game, some players really shined while some really struggled. Regardless, we will want to see more of them.
Last week BTSC stated our desire to focus on such defenders as T.J. Watt, Brian Allen, Tyson Alualu, Tyler Matakevich and JaCorey Shepherd. We are still going to pay attention to those five; however, we will highlight five different players to follow in today's game. Although we want to see Artie Burns, Bud Dupree, Sean Davis etc., we know what those guys can do. Let's follow guys that we are not as accustomed to.
No. 20 CB Cameron Sutton
Sutton returned to partial-action late this week after missing a good bit of camp. However, it is still undecided if he will see action on Sunday. Regardless, he's a guy we all want to see after minicamp reports were glowing. Defensive Coordinator Keith Butler noted that injured players need to be in on the action in preseason to succeed. If he gets a hat against Atlanta, pay close attention to the two-o. He's a fine cover man and could be an asset if healthy. If not, there is always...
No. 24 CB Coty Sensabaugh
Sensabaugh could come in to the same type of success that Brice McCain enjoyed in 2014. Now with his fourth team over the last 18 months, the former Titan, Ram and Giant brings hard-nosed experience to an ever-crowded secondary. The team wants to employee more man-to-man, and I want to see if Sensabaugh makes sense for the Steelers.
No. 95 DL Johnny Maxey
Although the product of the very prestigious Mars Hill University didn't register anything on the stat sheet last week, the 6'5" and 283 lb. Maxey has enough skill as a defender to stick-and-stay. He could be a bubble guy, so a good showing is what Max needs to stay a part of the final 53.
No. 42 S Jacob Hagen
Hagen was a playmaker in college at Liberty with good ball skills and special teams skills to boot. While the safety position seems to be set with Mike Mitchell, Sean Davis, Rob Golden and Jordan Dangerfield...I want to see more of No. 42 and what he can do. He could crack the roster, but I at least expect him to land on the PS.
No. 40 CB Mike Hilton
The best word to describe Mike Hilton's performance last week would be ubiquitous. Hilton was here, there and everywhere on special teams, stopping the run, in coverage and on blitzes. He can't stop now. Following up an outstanding performance with another would cement Hilton's status as a 2017 Steeler.