My good friend who writes on my site wrote a pregame article that I wanted to share with everyone here.

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Steelers to Open Preseason on Saturday






Football is back. The Pittsburgh Steelers will kickoff the preseason on Saturday night, when they host the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. While many are not in favor of the preseason, it is a vital time for the coaching staff to evaluate players and for teams to build cohesiveness. There is much uncertainty surrounding the Steelers this season. Saturday night’s game at the very least, will provide some answers to the questions currently pressing this team, as they prepare for their first game of the year.

There are plenty of players to keep a keen eye on during the game. First-round draft selection Maurice Pouncey, will play at guard and center. It will be of much interest to see if Pouncey will be able to unseat starting center Justin Hartwig, as the preseason progresses. Another player to watch on the offensive line will be the team’s newly acquired tackle Flozell Adams, who is expected to start. Backup halfback Isaac Redman, is expected to get most of the playing time in the backfield. Redman will be trying to secure his job as the second-string halfback behind Rashard Mendenhall. Throughout training camp, a position battle has developed between Stefan Logan and Antonio Brown over the role of kick returner. Logan appears to have the edge, but it will come down to which player steps up, when it is time to perform. Another young player who will be looking to make an impact will be rookie wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders. Sanders’ strengths are his elusiveness and speed. Many are hopeful the rookie will develop in to an effective offensive weapon that when paired with Mike Wallace, will create an explosive combination in the passing game. Two defensive players to watch are second-year defensive end Ziggy Hood, and rookie linebacker Jason Worilds. Both are said to be making exceptional strides in training camp.

The biggest and most obvious question heading in to this game is, who will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback? During his Thursday press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin would not say who the starter will be. However, Tomlin did say the starting quarterback will be receiving eight to twelve snaps under center. Quarterback Dennis Dixon will most likely not be starting, but the young quarterback is expected to get the most playing time. Due to Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension, Dixon and fellow quarterback Byron Leftwich, have been battling out to see who will be the starter on opening day. Speaking of Roethlisberger, perhaps the most compelling story of Saturday night’s game will be how the quarterback is received by the fans. He was greeted by an ovation of applause on the first day of training camp, but there is no guarantee the crowd at Heinz Field will be as kind.

The Steelers’ preseason opener will also mark the return of some players from seasons past. Bryant McFadden, Antwaan Randle El and Larry Foote, are all expected to see game action. In addition, Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu may see some action on Saturday night. Both players missed the majority of the 2009 season because of injury.

M.C. Smith
SteelerSal.com

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