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| OLB: Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, Marcus Smith II (inj), Brad Jones, Bryan Braman, Travis Long (IR)
CB: Byron Maxwell, Nolan Carroll II, Eric Rowe, E.J. Biggers, Walter Thurmond (FS/CB), Randall Evans, JaCorey Shepherd (IR) S: Malcolm Jenkins (SS), Jerome Couplin (SS), Jaylen Watkins, Chris Prosinski (SS), Ed Reynolds (FS), Chris Maragos (FS) Pittsburgh Steelers QB: Ben Roethlisberger played sparingly against the Bills (2-of-4 for 30 yards); he doesn’t need any more time in the preseason given his clear command of Todd Haley’s system. His new backup – Michael Vick – was the real story of the week. Vick was added after Bruce Gradkowski was placed on season-ending injured reserve. The savvy veteran made a quick impression, completing 4-of-5 passes for 106 yards against the Bills. Vick notably hit Martavis Bryant deep on his first play for 63 yards. That drive would end in a field goal. Another Vick drive would have ended in a field goal as well, but Garrett Hartley was injured, leaving the team without a kicker. They had to go for it on a 4th-and-17 while in field goal range. Overall, Vick was impressive – especially considering he probably didn’t even know half the playbook on Saturday. RB: DeAngelo Williams started the game and played the first two drives over Le’Veon Bell, perhaps giving true meaning to the “dress rehearsal” cliché as Bell will miss the first two games due to suspension. Williams caught a 10-yard pass and had a 14-yard run on the first two plays of the team’s second drive. He capped the drive with a touchdown run and a two-point conversion on the ground. Bell only carried the ball twice (losing two yards) before calling it a day. The team has clearly protected him throughout the preseason. Josh Harris returned to get some extended action, though he struggled (10 carries for 20 yards) and missed a few pass-blocking assignments, leading to sacks. This team is paper thin at running back after Bell and Williams. WR: Thursday brought news that Martavis Bryant would be suspended four games for violating the NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy. Bryant has already lost his appeal and will serve the suspension after failing multiple drug tests since entering the league. On the field, meanwhile, Bryant showed why a suspension would be so disheartening, as he torched Buffalo for 138 yards on only three catches – one of which went for a touchdown. No other receiver did anything of note, as starters Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton played sparingly. Wheaton caught a 20-yard pass that nearly resulted in a touchdown, but that was the only catch between the two starters. TE: Veteran Heath Miller got the starter’s treatment, playing just a few series. Rookie Jesse James caught three passes for 12 yards after not playing last week. The tight end group isn’t very exciting. Miller is such a good blocker that he may be asked to block more with Pouncey’s injury; limiting his fantasy potential. Defense: The Steelers defense is expected to struggle this year, but the performance against the Bills exceeded even the worst expectations. Mike Tomlin had this to say, “We continue to be slow starters and that's disturbing. Some of those guys, quite frankly, look like the walking dead.” Tomlin wasn’t providing a “coach-speak” style of exaggeration either. His defense allowed Buffalo’s quarterbacks to combine for a 30-for-33 day with 386 yards, three touchdowns, and no takeaways. The first six plays from scrimmage alone yielded 128 yards and two touchdowns. James Harrison compared the defense to Burger King because Buffalo was “having it their way.” While the defensive schemes may have been vanilla with safeties playing deep and zones all around, it’s still not a good sign to let a bunch of league-average quarterbacks rip apart the defense to this degree. Two different Buffalo quarterbacks had a perfect 158.3 passer rating. As if the performance wasn’t bad enough, Pittsburgh also had another defender suffer an injury when Bud Dupree left the game for good with a right foot injury. PK: Garrett Hartley, who was already replacing Shaun Suisham (torn ACL), went down with a hamstring injury in the third preseason game against the Bills. Hartley’s injury is serious enough that he might be placed on injured reserve. Jordan Berry handled the kickoffs well after Hartley left, but he is a punter by trade. The team responded to this development by trading for Jacksonville kicker Josh Scobee. Heinz Field is one of the toughest places to kick in the NFL, but the Steelers offense is high-scoring, so Scobee is now draftable in leagues that still use a kicker. OL: The good news for the Steelers’ offensive line is that right guard David Decastro continues to progress. On the other hand, center Cody Wallace, stepping in for Maurkice Pouncey, had a rough outing against the Bills. Recently signed Doug Legursky could get the nod as the season kicks off, but it’s not clear that he’s a better option. The line, once considered elite, is missing their Pro Bowl center. Without Pouncey, the Steelers’ line grades out as a mid-tier unit, 16th overall in the rankings. However, after seeing the performance against the Bills, one wonders if that ranking is too generous. Steelers Depth Chart QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Michael Vick, Landry Jones, Bruce Gradkowski (IR) RB: Le′Veon Bell (susp), DeAngelo Williams, Dri Archer (WR/KR/PR), Josh Harris (KR) (inj), Jawon Chisholm FB: Will Johnson, Roosevelt Nix WR: Antonio Brown (PR), Markus Wheaton (KR), Martavis Bryant (susp), Sammie Coates, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Shakim Phillips, Jarrod West, David Nelson (IR) TE: Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Jesse James, Ray Hamilton (IR), Cameron Clear (IR) LT: Kelvin Beachum, Mike Adams LG: Ramon Foster C: Cody Wallace, Maurkice Pouncey (inj), Doug Legursky RG: David Decastro, Chris Hubbard RT: Marcus Gilbert, Mitchell Van Dyk K: Josh Scobee, Garrett Hartley (IR), Shaun Suisham (IR) NT: Steve McLendon, Daniel McCullers, Mike Thornton DE: Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt (inj), Cam Thomas, Matt Conrath, L.T. Walton, Ethan Hemer, Niko Davis (IR), Clifton Geathers (IR) ILB: Lawrence Timmons (R), Ryan Shazier (L), Sean Spence, Vince Williams, Terence Garvin, L.J. Fort OLB: Arthur Moats, Jarvis Jones, James Harrison, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Howard Jones, Shayon Green, Shawn Lemon CB: Cortez Allen, William Gay, Brandon Boykin, Antwon Blake, B.W. Webb, Kevin Fogg, Doran Grant, Senquez Golson (IR) S: Michael Mitchell (FS), Shamarko Thomas (SS), Will Allen (SS), Robert Golden (FS), Gerod Holliman (FS), Ross Ventrone (SS), Jordan Dangerfield (SS), Alden Darby (FS) St. Louis Rams QB: In the dress rehearsal for the regular season, Nick Foles proved to be very efficient. The young signal caller completed 10- of-11 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half. The touchdown came on a 44-yard throw to Chris Givens on a deep crossing route. The Rams offensive line remains a concern, so Foles’ ability to handle pressure bears watching. He was sacked on multiple occasions despite facing a limited Colts defensive front. Rookie Sean Mannion was underwhelming in spite of lengthy playing time. RB: Todd Gurley didn't play in the third preseason game, but he was cleared to practice fully leading up to the game. Gurley went through a full warm-up before the game, another sign that he could be active as early as Week 1. With Gurley on the sideline, Tre Mason was once again the starter. Mason didn't last long though, suffering what was described as a mild hamstring strain. While it may be mild, it's a recurring issue as Mason dealt with hamstring issues early in camp. He is considered questionable for Week 1. Benny Cunningham remains the third down option for the Rams and had one particularly impressive reception to convert a long third down. Cunningham didn't take all of Mason's snaps though, giving Isaiah Pead more opportunities to impress. Pead wasn't getting much help from his offensive line, but he did show off his burst with a 13-yard run. Trey Watts tied Pead for the lead in rushing with 18 yards on six carries, though Watts added a touchdown. In fairness, Pead's touches came against tougher opposition. WR: Brian Quick got his first action of the preseason this week. He didn't catch a pass, but it was a big step in his return from serious injury. Kenny Britt was targeted three times against the Colts and caught two passes, but for modest gains. He was Foles' intended target for the quarterback's only incompletion, but there was nothing Britt could have done to prevent it. With neither Quick nor Britt standing out, Chris Givens was left to make the big impact. Givens caught a 44-yard touchdown pass. He streaked across the field and was isolated against the exceptionally slow Mike Adams in space. Even though Foles completed 10 passes, a large number went to his tight ends and running backs. Damian Williams and Tyler Slavin were the only other receivers to catch passes. Tavon Austin did make one reception unofficially, but it was officially wiped out due to offensive pass interference. TE: Jared Cook's only reception against the Colts came on a 5-yard check down on 3rd-and-long. Cook spoke with passion entering the preseason but his role has been hugely irrelevant to this point. The fear is that the offense is evolving in a way that deemphasizes the tight end position. In the same game, Lance Kendricks caught a check down pass on 3rd-and-long for a similar gain. Kendricks was named a team captain. Defense: Rookie linebacker Bryce Hager has been one of the consistent standouts through training camp and the preseason. Hager has a knack for finding the football, racking up tackles and even coming away with a fumble recovery against the Colts. While the linebacker is an intriguing player, his preseason production shouldn't mislead you into thinking that he will be a significant contributor this season. Hager will get a roster spot, but he will likely be a game day inactive as a developmental piece for later seasons. After starting last week in place of Michael Brockers, Ethan Westbrooks continued to make splash plays in the third week of the preseason. Westbrooks has moved to defensive tackle from defensive end and appears to be thriving because of it. Louis Trinca-Pasat is going to force Westbrooks to earn his roster spot though, as the defensive tackle is also impressing at a position where the Rams appear to be stronger than anyone else in the league. Both defensive linemen could make the roster, as ESPN's Nick Wagoner previously predicted. OL: The Rams’ coaches continue to shuffle the lineup up front. Without Rodger Saffold (coaches say he is close to a return) the team tried Demetrius Rhaney at guard. It did not go well, as both Rhaney and new center Barrett Jones were called for face mask penalties. Left guard Jamon Brown left the contest against the Colts with a sprained right ankle. Brown has been among the better rookie linemen in the league and should be ready for the opener. Rookie right tackle Rob Havenstein does a good job in run blocking but was beaten soundly by Erik Walden, who got a clean shot at quarterback Nick Foles. The Rams’ line currently grades out as the worst in the league, 32nd overall in the latest offensive line rankings. Rams Depth Chart QB: Nick Foles, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion, Austin Davis RB: Todd Gurley (inj), Tre Mason (inj), Benny Cunningham (3RB/KR), Malcolm Brown, Isaiah Pead, Chase Reynolds, Trey Watts (susp) FB: Zach Laskey WR: Brian Quick, Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin (KR/PR), Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens, Emory Blake, Damian Williams, Devon Wylie TE: Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks, Justice Cunningham, Corey Harkey LT: Greg Robinson, Isaiah Battle LG: Jamon Brown, Cody Wichmann C: Tim Barnes, Barrett Jones, Demetrius Rhaney RG: Rodger Saffold, Andrew Donnal RT: Rob Havenstein, Brandon Washington, Steven Baker K: Greg Zuerlein DT: Michael Brockers, Aaron Donald, Nick Fairley, Louis Trinca-Pasat DE: Robert Quinn, Chris Long, William Hayes, Eugene Sims, Ethan Westbrooks, Martin Ifedi MLB: James Laurinaitis, Marshall McFadden, Bruce Hager OLB: Alec Ogletree (W), Akeem Ayers (S), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (S), Daren Bates (W) CB: Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Lamarcus Joyner (FS/CB), Brandon McGee, Marcus Roberson, E.J. Gaines (IR) S: T.J. McDonald (SS), Rodney McLeod (FS), Mark Barron (SS), Maurice Alexander (SS), Cody Davis (FS), Christian Bryant (FS) San Diego Chargers QB: Philip Rivers played a full half against the Seahawks, and played well. He showed chemistry with Keenan Allen and Stevie Johnson. He appeared to injure a finger at the end of the first half, but he said after the game that it was minor, and that he would have stayed in the game if it had been the regular season. Kellen Clemens has been generally unimpressive this preseason. He put up great numbers against the Seahawks, but it was mostly due to a 70-yard touchdown pass on a screen that was all Branden Oliver. Brad Sorensen had a poor game against the Seahawks and probably won't make the final roster. RB: Melvin Gordon's stats against the Seahawks were unimpressive, but he broke some tackles and fought for extra yards. After getting just six carries in the first preseason game and sitting out the second, he rushed 14 times for 34 yards against the Seahawks. He still showed some hesitation before making his first cut, but got more decisive as the game went along. Danny Woodhead saw action with the first team not only in passing situations, but on some first-down plays as well. If that's a sign of things to come, it could seriously dampen Melvin Gordon's fantasy prospects. Branden Oliver has been a preseason star. He rushed for just 14 yards on 5 carries against the Seahawks, but his 70-yard touchdown reception off a screen pass included some nifty running and an impressive stiff-arm. He's scored a touchdown in each of the Chargers' three preseason games so far. WR: Keenan Allen came to life on a couple of catches-and-runs over the middle for a total of 27 yards. He accelerated smoothly after the catch, showing the quickness that appeared to be missing last season. Malcom Floyd got the night off against the Seahawks. Stevie Johnson had four catches for 63 yards, giving fans a glimpse of what he has been throughout training camp. The Chargers, noted one local columnist, appear to have the version of Stevie Johnson that was racking up thousand-yard seasons in Buffalo. Austin Pettis had been climbing the Chargers' depth chart leading up to the most recent preseason game, but his performance against the Seahawks was notable mostly for an offensive pass-interference penalty that took the team out of field-goal range. Tyrell Williams has been solid throughout training camp and looked good again in the team's third preseason game. He probably would not clear waivers if the Chargers tried to stash him on the practice squad, so he seems like a strong candidate to make the final roster. Titus Davis was cut. TE: Antonio Gates will miss the first four games of the season as he serves his suspension, which should provide Ladarius Green with the opportunity to excel as the starting tight end. Green, however, has had a quiet training camp and preseason. He had an 18-yard catch against the Seahawks, but on the whole seems to be a bit of a forgotten man in the Chargers' offense. Things could change when the regular season starts, but as of now, it looks like the players most likely to pick up the slack are Stevie Johnson, Keenan Allen, and Danny Woodhead rather than Green. David Paulson has been cut. Defense: The strength of the defense, once again, appears to be the linebackers. Inside, Donald Butler is having a solid preseason and could return to the form he showed before signing his most recent contract extension. Outside, Melvin Ingram, Jeremiah Attaochu, and rookie Kyle Emanuel are consistently generating pressure as pass rushers. Melvin Ingram had yet another strong preseason performance against the Seahawks and appears on track to have a breakout season if he can stay healthy. Jeremiah Attaochu looked like he might have been injured on Tyler Lockett's punt-return for a touchdown, but the Chargers did not report any injuries after the game. Kyle Emanuel could see significant playing time right out of the gate in Week 1. He will rotate with Ingram and Attaochu, and may already be ahead of Attaochu as an outside edge rusher. Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett both looked strong against the Seahawks; holding Russell Wilson to just 3.7 yards per pass attempt. Backup cornerback Craig Mager has improved each week of the preseason. He turned in a strong performance against the Seahawks, showing the speed to stay stride-for-stride with his man on a deep route. At strong safety, Jimmy Wilson got the start against Seattle, but both he and Jahleel Addae played well, so the winner of the battle to start opposite Eric Weddle doesn't appear to be settled. Addae contained Russell Wilson on a blitz and forced him into an intentional grounding penalty. PK: Nick Novak continues to find himself in a legitimate kicker battle with Josh Lambo. Novak made 32- and 52-yard field goals against the Seahawks and had the only touchback. Lambo made a 28-yarder. Both kickers are expected to make the 75-man roster and have another battle in the fourth preseason game to decide the winner. OL: With pricey free agent acquisition Orlando Franklin sitting out with a lower leg (foot or ankle) issue, the team turned to Chris Hairston, who had an up and down performance against the Seahawks. Hairston did his job for most of the night but was flagged for a holding penalty. In fairness to Hairston, he reportedly never played guard in his life. D.J. Fluker, recently moved from tackle to guard, is also having technique issues. Hopefully, when Franklin returns to the lineup, and Fluker gains a little more experience, these positions will settle down for the team. With the various issues along the line, this unit grades out as a low-tier option, currently 23rd in the latest offensive line rankings. |