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When looking at a potential matchups the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base might not know, there are plenty to find when talking about the NFC West San Francisco 49ers.
As a team who resides in the AFC North, news on the NFC West isn’t considered the most discussed news when it comes to the black-and-gold. So, with the Steelers facing an already unfamiliar foe in Week 3, I asked Niners Nation, SB Nation’s San Francisco 49ers website, editor Kyle Posey if he could list one player who he thought could impact the game, but isn’t being talked about much.
Check out his answer below:
Everyone knows about Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, but this could be a Marquise Goodwin game. Goodwin caught a 38-yard touchdown that was schemed open for him last week. Against man coverage, Goodwin is excellent on comeback routes, since cornerbacks need to respect his deep speed. I’d imagine plenty of timing routes like comebacks and curl routes with Goodwin. Him being a big-play threat makes Goodwin dangerous against the Steelers.
When looking at Goodwin as a player, it is no surprise Kyle chose him as the under radar player for the 49ers. Goodwin’s speed is his greatest asset, and the Pittsburgh secondary will have to have him accounted for on every play to ensure he doesn’t get behind the defense and make big plays.
One bright spot thus far for the Steelers defense has been the play of their cornerbacks. Joe Haden has been his usual veteran self, and Steven Nelson has been tremendous through two weeks of the regular season, proving his hefty contract via free agency wasn’t money wasted by the Steelers organization.
When thinking about a Steelers player who might be considered an under the radar type player, who would you consider to fall into that category? While difficult to put him in this category I would lean towards wide receiver James Washington. With Washington’s connect with Mason Rudolph it is tough to not expect big things from the Oklahoma State wide receiver.
Who would you put in that category? Let us know in the comment section below! And be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold heading into Week 3.