On Thursday, August 4 at 8 PM EST, the Las Vegas Raiders played the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Stadium in the NFL Hall of Fame Game. Why should Steelers fans care? Because it is also the unofficial start of Steelers preseason 2022 and the start of a season of watching all of the NFL games at Hibernia Bar in Hell’s Kitchen!
Steelers Preseason Football
The Hall of Fame Game kicks off preseason football. In the Steelers preseason 2022, we find out what our team will look like this year and watch great position battles that determine the team’s starters. This preseason, for the Steelers, is far more important than most. Here’s why.
The Quarterback Battle
The quarterback is one of, if not the most important positions on the team. The quarterback touches the ball on every offensive snap. He has to be smart and able to make quick decisions. He has to be the general out there on the field.
Steelers’ longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has retired leaving a void. The team drafted a great prospect in Kenny Pickett, but they also acquired Mitch Trubisky who has starting experience. If there were any major surprises in training camp, the biggest was that Mason Rudolph, long time back up, is giving them a run for their money.
This QB battle is turning into one worth watching.
Battle for Left Guard
Most people don’t think much about it, but the passing game often depends as much on the left guard as it does on the quarterback. With every option meaning a young QB with little experience, the left guard position takes on an even greater meaning. Our QB will likely need every extra second that he can get.
Kendrick Green and Kevin Dotson both had a rough year last year, so whoever wins this battle will be looking for redemption this season. Green has practiced some at right guard and a full potential Dotson is clearly the better choice. Odds are, Dotson wins this battle.
Wide Receiver Concerns
Diontae Johnson is still trying to work out a deal with the Steelers, and we all know how that can go. Johnson says he wants to stay with the team, but it’s being reported that the parties are still miles apart in negotiations. This leaves an opening for a receiver to move up.
Johnson will have to be careful how he plays his hand here. George Pickens is a rookie, but he is also a National Champion who ran circles around other players who also landed in the league. Pickens has all of the potential needed to start for the Steelers and keep the job.
Outstanding Cornerback Play
Levi Wallace was added to the team in the off-season. A former National Champion and award-winning player, Wallace was expected to be a shoo-in at starter, playing in the backfield alongside former college teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Ahkello Witherspoon spent his early career with the 49ers and has played in a Superbowl. After being signed by the Seahawks (who he never actually played for) he was traded to the Steelers during the 2022 NFL Draft for a draft pick.
They were brought in because the team wanted to strengthen the backfield. Arthur Maulet came to the Steelers a year ago from the Jets. While he was certainly expected to see the field, no one saw him pushing Wallace and Witherspoon for a starting role. However, during training camp, he got a lot of buzz and now he may play into the starting conversation.
For the Steelers, as is often the case on the defense, this is just an embarrassment of riches.
Steelers’ Preseason Schedule 2022
The Steelers preseason 2022 will definitely be one to watch this year and the best place to catch it is at your local Steelers Bar, Hibernia where you can enjoy a pint of Guinness and some great food! Circle the dates:
- Vs Seahawks, Saturday, August 13, 7 PM
- @ Jaguars, Saturday, August 20, 7 PM
- Vs Lions, Sunday, August 28, 4:30 PM
See you at Hibernia!