Unfortunately, so far in the preseason, the evaluation of the Pittsburgh Steelers skill players has been hindered by poor quarterback play. A few guys like Eli Rogers and Daryl Richardson have made some plays in spite of who is under center, but for the most part, there have been struggles.
But on Friday night when the Steelers take on the New Orleans Saints, Ben Roethlisberger will make his preseason debut and that bodes well for the offense all around. But who will reap the benefits of Big Ben back on the field the most?
Put me down for the tight ends. Up until now, they’ve been all-but-forgotten in the offense. Jesse James, David Johnson and Xavier Grimble have combined for four receptions in two games, and the total receptions of all the tight ends on the roster during that span is six.
Pittsburgh is still trying to sort out who is going to replace recently-retired Heath Miller. The original plan was that free agent Ladarius Green was going to come in and be the guy. Unfortunately, he has yet to suit up as he continues to heal from ankle surgery.
That means the guy who I am looking most forward to see connect with Roethlisberger on Friday night is James. The offense is going to want to come out quick and set the tone. They’ve been embarrassed in the first two games with their inability to move the football. All eyes are going to be on running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown so James could use this opportunity to take advantage and strike quick with a couple of big catches.
Once Roethlisberger jogs back to the sidelines and puts on that baseball cap, evaluation of the team’s skill players will get muddy. Every guy on the field, while Roethlisberger is playing should be begging for the football because he might be the only quarterback that can get it to them.
