Preseason football is about more than just winning. It’s a chance for teams to grow and develop. Coach Mike Tomlin emphasizes that this process is essential for building a competitive team. The Steelers have been busy since training camp began on July 23, focusing on what they need to do to be contenders by 2025. While they lost 17-14 to Tampa Bay in their second preseason game, the Steelers are still very much a work in progress, just like the other teams in the NFL.
The real competition kicks off on September 7, but the Steelers are aware that early season success doesn’t guarantee long-term results. Take the Philadelphia Eagles; they started last season 2-2 but went on to become Super Bowl champions.
So, how are the Steelers shaping up? One key area is the quarterback position. After Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers welcome Aaron Rodgers, a seasoned veteran with impressive stats: over 62,000 passing yards and 503 touchdowns. Since joining the team on June 6, Rodgers has brought positive energy and leadership. He’s committed to helping younger players and shares a strong bond with the team. Coach Tomlin feels that building a solid relationship with a quarterback is vital, aligning their goals with the team’s vision.
Next up is the offensive line. The success of tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu is crucial for keeping Rodgers safe. Both young players, only 24 years old, are starting to show promise. In a competitive camp environment, facing tough defensive players like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith has helped them grow.
A shift toward a more versatile defense is also happening. The Steelers revamped their defensive unit to keep up with a league that heavily favors the passing game. With new additions like cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr., the defense aims to be more competitive. Coach Tomlin emphasizes that the ability to cover and respond to agile quarterbacks is more important now than ever.
The Steelers have acknowledged the need for improvement in specific areas, particularly along the offensive line and running game. However, rookie receiver Roman Wilson is stepping up. Even though Rodgers hasn’t played during the preseason, Wilson has already secured 4 catches for 96 yards. Clearly, he’s gaining confidence.
As the preseason wraps up, the focus shifts to finalizing the 53-man roster by August 26. The regular season is just around the corner, and while it’s expected to be a rocky start, the journey will certainly be intriguing.
In the world of NFL, where the landscape changes rapidly, team development during the preseason remains a critical factor for success, both now and in the future.
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