The Steelers' 39-24 victory over the Panthers in their preseason finale Thursday at Heinz Field showed a lot from the depth players who will either be cut or make up the bottom of their various position groups.
But when looking at the play of the younger players working to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster, a consistent focus could be seen on both sides of the ball. Players whom we had seen struggle earlier this preseason, and in seasons past, showed progress, and some of the upstarts shined even brighter than they had before.
TWO-MINUTE DRILL
• Where scheme beat team: For the second time in the preseason, the Steelers' young quarterbacks shined enough to be the stars. This is the Randy Fichtner offense that appears to have the team's young quarterbacks making smarter decisions and looking more confident than we have become accustomed to seeing from backup quarterbacks in recent seasons.
Josh Dobbs came out on fire, leading the offense on two touchdown drives to open the game and only having one drive in which he did not score. He finished the day with eight completions on 12 attempts for 151 yards and a passing touchdown to go along with his three carries for 18 yards and a rushing touchdown.
What made Dobbs' night extremely impressive was that he didn't do this from a clean pocket; he wasn't comfortable all game. Instead, he consistently avoided pressure while keeping his eyes downfield and finding his targets. On the first drive alone, he made two defenders miss on sack opportunities and completed three passes while under pressure.
His second drive had what might've been his best play of the night when he threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Tevin Jones. Dobbs starts off by going through his reads in the middle of the field, but when none of those work, he breaks from the pocket and sees Jones working to the corner of the end zone:
His throw on the run combined both the athleticism that made him an interesting pick in last year's draft and the poise that Mike Tomlin has been working with him to develop. During training camp I saw several instances when Dobbs would try to win practice scenarios with his feet by scrambling, only for Tomlin to blow his whistle and tell him to use his arm more.
I asked Tomlin after the game about Dobbs' progress and how he saw him benefit from those practices where the coach forced him to throw the ball more.
"I thought he gave a good representation of himself," Tomlin said. "Sometimes in a practice setting, I discourage the use of legs because it's a controlled football environment and we want to focus on an element of the practice that's competitive. Obviously, when we get to a stadium, we play to win, and you utilize all your skills and talents to do that."
Obviously, that method of practice brought out some very good results from Dobbs in his best performance in a Steelers' jersey. Even in the plays that weren't made, Dobbs was processing the Panthers' defense with adjustments at the line like a polished veteran.
Early in the second quarter in a third-and-four situation at the 50, Dobbs had an opportunity to put the Steelers in scoring position for a third straight drive. The Panthers lined up in a one-high safety look, giving the look of a Cover 3 or Cover 1 defense. Dobbs called out an audible to the team and had Trey Griffey run a slant right into the seam of the defense.
Though Dobbs' pass was too hot and high for Griffey, the beauty of the play was in the read. Dobbs knew that with a single safety playing deep that whether it was Cover 1 or Cover 3, the defense would be soft in the seams and a slant route would give Griffey the chance to get inside leverage against man, or sit in the soft part of the zone defense.
His confidence was booming, but so was that of the rookie quarterback, Mason Rudolph.
Rudolph looked composed again in the preseason and finished with five completions on nine attempts for 102 yards and two touchdown passes. His best read and throw came on a 27-yard strike to Jones on a skinny post in what looked to be a Cover 2 defense.
What made the read tricky was how Jones started in the slot and was working to fit in between three defenders with his route. He had to run his post wide enough to get behind the slot cornerback, deep enough to get behind the linebacker playing a deep middle zone, but inside enough to beat the safety covering the right half of the field:
Not only does Jones do all that, but Rudolph sees it the whole way and fits the perfect ball right into the zone. That kind of window is not easy to throw through and can make young quarterbacks timid for fear of any lurking defenders who jump the pass. But Rudolph fired a bullet with perfect placement to give Jones his second touchdown reception, looking like he knew he had it the whole way.
That's what Fichtner has done to make this offense look different. His young quarterbacks are taking shots and being confident. Both Dobbs and Rudolph had thrown interceptions returned for touchdowns with their first attempts just two games ago against the Packers. Neither have looked gun-shy in the least, and have been making good decisions with the ball against the various defenses they faced.
What will be interesting to see this season is how confident Ben Roethlisberger looks against various defenses. These observations may have a short-term effect because of preseason, but they could have long-term implications if they indicate improved recognition by the quarterbacks.
One of Roethlisberger's key weaknesses came when he didn't recognize the coverage and had to improvise or force the ball to a player. But all preseason, the young quarterbacks exhibited decision-making skills that showed they were prepared for various defensive schemes. If Roethlisberger shows that kind of readiness throughout the season, it could mean a great deal for the Steelers' offense.
• All about the tackling: It should be no surprise after reading past War Room pieces that Matthew Thomas would be one of the featured players when talking about the team's tackling. This time he led the team with 11 tackles in just 55 snaps. Include his one missed tackle, and that means he got to the ball more than 20% of the time he was on the field.
That kind of play should boost him even higher on the depth chart than what had been projected. It was a given that he would make the final roster after his previous performances, but the way he played in this game might have made the case for even more playing time than just a reserve player.
The fact that the Steelers have been able to draw this kind of production out of an undrafted rookie this early is a good omen for the Steelers' coaching staff. Especially when you look back at Thomas' college tape and see how mental mistakes were a key issue at Florida State. We covered this a couple months ago, and comparing his preseason performance with what we saw shows considerable growth.
Take a look at Brian Allen in the chart, as his nine tackles speak louder when you know his path to the Steelers. Allen started as a wide receiver in college and only became a defensive back at Utah in his junior season. His 6-foot-3, 205 lb. frame made for a prototypical cornerback, but his skills were very raw and tackling was a major concern.
The fact that he was able to make several tackles both in trailing defenders in man coverage and sitting comfortably in his zone speaks volumes to how he is coming along. He's still not ready to be a starter or the immediate backup outside the hashes, but he could be there very soon.
One major point of emphasis from this game for me is that several plays where I perceived missed tackles while watching the game live, turned out to not be in review. During the game, I had Jon Bostic pegged for two missed tackles in the hole during the first quarter, but both turned out to be situations where he was being blocked away from the runner. The second even looked like what should have been called for clipping as Bostic was clearly shoved in the back.
Had a big play or a decent game
Very impressive, multiple big plays
Elite performance
Gave up a big play without redemption
Total performance was a disappointment
Horrible, inexcusable
QUARTERBACKS: A+
Both the young quarterbacks came through in big ways and rose to the occasion. Each had two touchdowns and the Steelers only punted four times in ten drives. Two of those punts came when the team was running out the clock at the end of the fourth quarter.
Josh Dobbs:
If there was ever a time to step up and show the world what you've got, this was it for Dobbs and he came through. Even in the likelihood that the Steelers cannot afford to keep him on the roster, Dobbs showed he belongs somewhere in the NFL so that he can continue to grow and be given a shot someday to start. His arm looked good and his legs looked to have the Panthers' defense on its heels.
Mason Rudolph:
Rudolph showed guts in how he was able to challenge the Panthers' different zone coverages and keep plays alive with his feet. He also took a pretty hard sack in the third quarter, but never let that deter him from continuing to look downfield and work through his reads. A good preseason showing for the rookie.
RUNNING BACKS: B-
The Steelers saw enough of James Conner and Jaylen Samuels in previous outings, so it was time to give Stevan Ridley his chance to remind them what he brings to the table before the cuts. He did not disappoint.
Stevan Ridley:
Ridley finished the day with 39 yards on eight carries along with one reception for five yards. His highlight was a 17-yard run early in the first quarter, and he showed quick feet against defenders in space. Ridley can make players miss in the hole, and that might be the most important part of his game. The Steelers seem to like the youth at the position, but they would be wise to keep someone in the group with experience, like Ridley.
Fitzgerald Toussaint:
This was most likely Toussaint's swan song with the team. Though he made plays in the past with a clutch third down reception in the playoffs to help the team beat the Bengals in 2016, he has not shown consistency at the position that would set him apart from the younger talent the Steelers have brought in. His three carries for seven yards in this game might have been his last in a Steelers uniform.
OFFENSIVE LINE: C
The offensive line had a pretty average night, hence their grade. Nothing really stuck out that was superb in their performance, but they also managed to avoid looking haphazard in their protections as the game continued.
Chukwuma Okorafor:
Once again, Okorafor didn't look lost on the field, but he didn't show the killer instinct we've been waiting to see. He looks like a rookie who could be useful in a pinch, but he still needs to learn to get more aggressive against defenders, especially with his hands.
Matt Feiler:
The Steelers might need Feiler on the inside if more injuries occur in that group. He already was the next man up after B.J. Finney replaced Ramon Foster in the preseason, but he held his own during the game both in the run and in pass protection.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: B+
This group had a strong rebound from their game against the Titans, where they didn't shine as well as they had in the first two games. There were some occasional drops, but several big catches created a good highlight reel for the night.
Bucky Hodges:
We're getting our first tight end here! Hodges has been seen in camp working with coaches on the side whenever he could in order to improve. The effort has been there, but he had not had much of a chance to showcase it in games. He took hold of that opportunity against the Panthers with two receptions for 43 yards. His biggest play came on a 36-yard reception from Dobbs to get the Steelers inside the 5 and set up the team's first touchdown.
But the hustle play that might get him the most appreciation from the coaching staff came on a 39-yard pass from Rudolph to Jones in the third quarter. Jones caught a pass and made two defenders miss, breaking up the sideline for good yards after the catch. But just as the Panthers thought they could bring him down, Hodges came darting from 15 yards away to block away two defenders before Jones went out of bounds.
Tevin Jones:
I went back and forth about Jones' grade considering he dropped a touchdown from Rudolph, but I couldn't ignore his overall play. Jones had three catches on five targets for 90 yards and two touchdowns. None of his catches were spectacular, but he displayed good skills with the ball in his hands. He also ran a very good skinny post for his first touchdown reception, working to get open against the Panthers' secondary.
Justin Hunter:
Another game with a big catch on a deep ball from Hunter. Last week he caught a touchdown from Roethlisberger, this week he catches a 46-yard bomb from Dobbs. He finished the day with three catches on four targets for 72 yards. The one pass he failed to bring in was against good coverage on the sideline on another deep ball.
Hunter's biggest weakness is his route-running against good NFL cornerbacks. But the Steelers like receivers who make splash plays, and that may be what keeps him on the roster.
Quadree Henderson:
Henderson has been a player whom local Pitt fans have clamored over after he led the Panthers in total offense in 2017. He hadn't had much of a chance to show what he could bring to the table, but he absolutely took advantage of it in his final preseason game as a rookie. Two catches on two targets for 24 yards and a great grab on a touchdown, as Matt Sunday captured here:
Henderson won't make the final roster, but if he's not scooped up by another team he could land on the Steelers' practice squad. They've seen a lot of him over the years and thought enough of him to sign him as one of their undrafted rookies quickly after the draft.
Pharoah McKever:
McKerver had a slim chance to show his value to the team and didn't capitalize. He wasn't that inspiring a run blocker and dropped a touchdown in the second half.
DEFENSIVE LINE: C+
This group was missing its heavy hitters, but was hot and cold throughout the night. Sometimes they showed good surge against the pass and was able to generate push, but often they got clogged in the rushing lanes and weren't able to be the effective group in front of the linebackers.
Lavon Hooks:
Hooks had a rough start against the run, but ended the game with a sack and looking good with various pass rush moves. He won't make the roster, but he showed some variety in his pass rush skills.
Javon Hargrave:
Hargrave was the lone bright spot among the starting defensive linemen, often surging through the middle of the Panthers' line by himself and forcing the quarterbacks to move in the pocket. The problem was that other defenders were not in the charge with him, so there was enough space for Hargrave to be avoided.
Dan McCullers:
McCullers only saw 14 snaps, but his presence wasn't felt at all in the game. He was signed back with the team to see if he could be better than any of the undrafted defensive tackles. No standouts have emerged and that might preserve his spot, but he still hasn't made a good showing with this team.
LINEBACKERS: B+
Matthew Thomas:
This guy has earned his shot with the team. He led all players with 11 tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble that he recovered himself and almost scored. Thomas has played all over the field as a linebacker in this preseason. Though an inside linebacker on the depth chart, he played as a coverage outside linebacker in 3-3-5 formations last week and appeared as an edge rusher this week.
He showed his explosiveness when he rushed off the edge to drive backup tackle Quinterrius Eatmon into the backfield by getting inside leverage with his hands, then easily disengaging and forcing the fumble. The recovery itself was pure ball skills and coordination on his part, which became the defensive highlight of the night:
Thomas came into training camp with an outside chance to make the roster and took advantage of it because he combined his athleticism with being able to learn what the Steelers' coaching staff was teaching. Though much still needs to be seen in games that count, he has done more than enough to show he belongs on the team through this preseason.
Tyler Matakevich:
Unfortunately Matakevich's six tackles did not overshadow his inability to play in space. His lack of burst and speed was his biggest knock when he was drafted in 2016 and it continues to make him difficult to use as the Steelers employ schemes that need run-and-tackle linebackers who can chase faster players. If he stays, its because he's good on special teams.
Ola Adeniyi:
Adeniyi's night was shortened due to a hamstring injury, but he still had a sack and forced fumble that showed why he must be on the final roster. Adeniyi has been very good at engaging players with his hands on the edge and following through with good footwork.
Watch how he executes this sack by setting up his inside hand as if he would anchor it in the chest of left tackle Blaine Causell, but just fakes him out by ripping his inside hand under his frame and winning the edge rush:
The Steelers need edge rushers on their depth chart who can specialize in winning against offensive tackles and collapsing the pocket. Adeniyi fits that bill perfectly.
SECONDARY: B
The group that excelled last week had another decent showing against the Panthers. Though they did give up points towards the end of the game, many of the players that needed to show up did just that. There are some difficult choices ahead for the Steelers' coaching staff.
Brian Allen:
Allen was put to the test with 76 snaps in the game and came up with nine tackles and a pass defended. Being able to tackle the receiver after the catch is something Allen has worked on for two training camps now, and that work paid off for him.
But what should also get him noticed is how often he's in position while in coverage against various routes. Allen's college tape showed that he would lose composure in a backpedal or while forced to cover many different routes. Tom Bradley seems to have helped improve his skills in those situations as you can see with his swatting away a pass on an out route below.
Allen does a great job staying deep enough to make sure his receiver can't get behind him and be open for a deep ball, but also being ready to jump the out route as he does here:
Allen's shown a tendency to be aggressive in jumping the ball this preseason, which looked like it may be something the Steelers are trying to coach out of him. But when I talked to him after the game, he revealed it's something they've encouraged, considering his skill set as a former NCAA receiver:
Allen has already shown a good amount of upside, but if he continues to grow and pick up more positive coverage traits, he can be a future pillar of this secondary.
Marcus Allen:
My live opinion of Marcus Allen's performance was that he might've played himself off the roster. I based that off of him missing a tackle in the red zone and drawing a penalty for lowering his head on a receiver. But when I looked at his body of work with eight tackles, five of them solo, and a forced fumble, I saw a player who may have earned his keep in a tough secondary.
THE ROAD AHEAD
The point of emphasis for this preseason should be how many of this team's younger players found ways to shine in an offense that has a new coordinator in Fichtner, and a defense that employs new schemes and formations from Butler that change the Steelers' defensive philosophy.
Between Dobbs, Rudolph, Thomas and Brian Allen, there have been obvious improvements both from last season and from prior games in this preseason. That's a very encouraging sign moving forward, regardless of who has to get cut for the final roster.
What will define this coaching staff is if those same improvemnts show up in positive moments during the big games in 2018. It's a tall task, considering that the team was 13-3 last season and the No. 2 seed in the AFC, but it's an achievable reality with the star power on the current roster.
MATT SUNDAY GALLERY
Steelers vs. Panthers, Heinz Field, Aug. 30, 2018. - MATT SUNDAY / DKPS