The media will have a field day. The Steelers offensive line was exposed. The backups looked lost. The secondary lost its best cover corner. And the running game stalled. Did I mention Dennis Dixon looked better running than throwing?
Okay, let's all take a collective breath after the Steelers lackluster 16-7 loss to the Washington Redskins. Yes, Rex Grossman through for more than 200 yards and Evan Royster thought he was running against Indiana's defense and not the run-stopping menacing Steelers D.
After all that's said and done, it was a case of a short preseason and working on the details rather than worrying about the scoreboard.
Don't jump off of the Clemente bridge wearing your Big Ben jersey. Or sell your Steelers Terrible Towels. Or cry in your Iron City Beer.
Here's the deal. The Steelers starters didn't play much. Sure, the defense took 20 snaps, but they weren't utilizing Dick LeBeau's exotic blitz packages. They didn't play Ben Roethlisberger more than a few snaps. Rashard Menendhall had only one carry. And Mike Wallace's pregame running was the most exercise he got during the game. The Steelers will be fine come the Baltimore opener. Yes, they have to get the offensive line in check. And they have to stay healthy. And of course get pressure on the quarterback. But I'm not worried. They have a month to get into game shape mentally and physically.
Chris Scott will improve as the preseason moves on. Cameron Heyward has a lot to take from a successful pro debut. The receivers are deeper because of Jerricho Cotchery's arrival. And the linebackers have reinforcements with Jason Worilds, Stevensen Sylvester and Chris Carter. The secondary has hope with young players like Curtis Brown and Crezdon Butler.
Rest easy Steelers Country. This defending AFC Champs will be ready to play.
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