5 Steelers to watch vs. the Indianapolis Colts
The mantra for this week appears to be “two dogs one bone.” This phrase, or “Tomlinism”, is one that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has tossed around in regard to players competing for a roster spot or a starting role.
We’re getting to crunch time in the preseason with this being “dress rehearsal” week where many of the starters will be getting significant playing time. Whoever shows up with a big performance in this week’s game will help their cause to win their respective position battle.
That said, here are five players to watch for this week’s game versus the Colts.
Mike Hilton (CB)
It’s funny how a nobody can quickly ascend to a fan favorite and potential starter, but that’s where we are with Mike Hilton. You may see #HiltonHive or #HiltonTrain on Twitter, and all this hype is real.
It was reported this week that Hilton has received starting reps at practice.
Hilton has played great against the second and third string guys, but this week could be huge for the young cornerback if he gets reps with the starting defense. Many have been chiming for him to get this opportunity and it will be intriguing to see how Hilton performs. Hilton has a legitimate opportunity to earn a spot on this team and potentially, even a starting role.
Landry Jones (QB)
Everyone’s favorite backup quarterback will be returning to action this week! He has finally recovered from his abdominal strain and will get to play against the Colts. Watching Landry Jones play will be very interesting, especially after getting to witness Josh Dobbs play for two games.
Considering that he is returning from injury, I hope Jones isn’t destined for failure. More than likely he will have a bit of rust and his timing with the offense could be suspect. Regardless of what happens he deserves a bit of slack. It seems Jones has the primary backup job secured so there isn’t much of a competition brewing, but you never know, Jones could underwhelm while Dobbs has the game of his life for all we know.
For better or worse, all eyes will be on Landry Jones versus the Colts.
Xavier Grimble (TE)
We’ve gotten to a point with Xavier Grimble for him to nut up or shut up.
The most noticeable play from his versus the Falcons was a dropped pass, something that’s become common for the tight end. Grimble needs a rebound week if he hopes to lock in his roster spot.
The guy on his tail is Jake McGee. While McGee doesn’t offer the big play potential of Grimble and maybe isn’t as athletic, he seems to be a more reliable option. Both players will get their opportunities on Saturday and whichever player stands out more may gain a major edge in this competition.
Trey Williams (RB)
Not many people knew the name Trey Williams until last weekend, when the running back returned a punt for a touchdown. At this point, it will be very tough for Williams to win a roster spot, but considering Fitzgerald Toussaint hasn’t done anything special this preseason who knows what could happen.
Terrell Watson was the player people were talking about following the first preseason game, which he rushed for a touchdown. These two running backs may be fighting for a single spot.
Per usual, the best way to make the roster as a depth player is to show off on special teams. The Steelers have been searching for somebody to relieve Antonio Brown of his punt return duties, and Williams appears to have had the most success returning punts so far. It’s hard to tell what will happen with jim, but developing a niche as a return specialist raises his odds of making this team exponentially.
Bud Dupree (EDGE)
There is no need to worry if Bud Dupree’s roster spot is in danger. What you can worry about is if we can live up to the expectations the Steelers had when drafting him in the first round in 2015.
Expectations are high for Dupree going into 2017 and now is his chance to show that all the talk of his special training with guru Chuck Smith isn’t all hype. As we’ve seen before, it’s easy to hype up guys during the offseason.
Dupree is a player you should watch because he singlehandedly has the ability to change this defense. Yes, players like Cameron Heyward and Javon Hargrave will surely help improve our pass rush, but at the end of the day its the job of the outside linebacker to get to the quarterback. Watt is still too raw and Harrison shouldn’t be used in a full-time role.
A consistent pass rush is the biggest thing the Steelers defense needs and if anybody is going to bring it, it’s gotta be Dupree.
