It has been a one-of-a-kind offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Unable to attend most player pro days and participating in the NFL’s first virtual draft, the Steelers keep pushing forward toward a return to football activities. Just because the NFL has cancelled the 2020 Hall of Fame Game and cut the preseason to an undetermined amount of games doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!
Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how the Steelers could trim their roster before training camp if forced to do so.
Let’s get to the news:
- Who could be the 15 players released by the Steelers if teams are forced to go with only 75 players at training camp?
What Steelers’ trimmed roster would look like
By: Jeff Hartman, DK Pittsburgh Sports
In the past week, there have been reports circulating about the NFL’s plan for the 2020 preseason. Initially, it was the league stating the preseason will be cut from four games to two games, but shortly after this news was announced, the NFLPA reminded everyone to pump the brakes. After a union meeting, the players unanimously voted to eliminate the preseason altogether. In lieu of the preseason, teams would go through a ramp up to Week 1 of the regular season.
While nothing has been made official between the NFL and NFLPA, if the preseason is cut in half, or cancelled, teams will not need to have 90 players on their offseason roster. No specific number has been released, but the reason for the robust number of players on the offseason roster is so teams don’t have to play their starters extensively during the preseason.
Let’s suggest the NFL tells teams they should trim their rosters to 75 players, what would this look like for the Steelers’ roster? It would look a lot like when the league used to trim their rosters prior to Week 4 of the preseason, but there will be a ripple effect if, or when, this takes place.
Who stays and who goes will be a difficult decision for every organization. After all, these players were added for a reason, whether it be for depth, potential practice squad players or to add to their starting roster. There will be some players who will be easy to cut ties with, but this is where the ripple effect begins.
In the past, whenever the NFL would have cuts leading up to their official 53-man roster, it was always appropriate to tell fans they should hesitate before celebrating the latest installment of the Steelers. Why? Because there are always players who are discarded by other teams that the Steelers covet. A player who thinks they made the team could be cut shortly after if the team decides to sign a player who was cut from another team.
To read the full article, click HERE (Free)
- Previewing the the 2020 Battle for Pennsylvania
Countdown to 2020: The Eagles
By: Mike Prisuta, Steelers.com
Date: Oct. 11
Time: 1 p.m.
Venue: Heinz Field
All-Time Regular-Season Series: Eagles lead, 47-28-3. Philadelphia also leads the all-time postseason series, 1-0.
Last Meeting: QB Carson Wentz completed 23 of 31 passes for 301 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 34-3 blowout of the Steelers on Sept. 25, 2016 at Lincoln Financial Field. Wentz wasn’t sacked or intercepted. The Steelers were out-gained, 426-251, and managed just 29 yards rushing on 10 attempts. The highlight for the home team was a 73-yard, catch-and-run connection from Wentz to RB Darren Sproles for a touchdown that gave the Eagles a 20-3 lead early in the third quarter.
Last Season: The Eagles went 9-7 and finished first in the NFC East. Philadelphia ranked 14th in total offense (11th rushing, 11th passing) and 10th in total defense (third rushing, 19th passing). The Eagles lost an NFC Wild Card Game to the Seahawks, 17-9, in Philadelphia.
To read the full article, click HERE (Free)
- Getting to know one of the new Steelers for 2020
Coyle’s son ‘keeps him going’
By:Teresa Varley, Steelers.com
Get to know Steelers offensive tackle Anthony Coyle
Anthony Coyle
Offensive Tackle
Fordham University
Most entertaining person you follow on social media? ‘The Rock,’ Dwayne Johnson. I like how he is always working hard. He posts a lot of workout videos in the gym. He is a very motivational speaker. He always quotes hard work, dedication, that kind of stuff.
Must have food? I love tacos. Taco Tuesday is a thing every week for me.
Must see show? Game of Thrones.
Morning person or night owl? Night owl.
Who is your football mentor or inspiration? My twin brother, Robert. He is my twin, but he isn’t the same size, but still has the heart. He was never able to get to this level because of his size, so I always keep going for him because of what I was gifted with.
What is like being a twin? Growing up it was good because you always had someone to go play ball with or do something fun with. You had the same friend group and that was good. We got in our competitive fights, but we still love each other.
To read the full article, click HERE (Free)
- BTSC articles you may have missed
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How bad do the Steelers need another playmaker like Antonio Brown?
- Social Media Madness
RT to wish @Juiceup__3 & @1CSW a #HappyBirthday! pic.twitter.com/XERSlFxFbk
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 5, 2020
Happy Birthday to Diontae Johnson! #Steelers pic.twitter.com/u1DmSZzD9z
— BlitzburghVideos (@BlitzVideos) July 5, 2020