There’s a report going around that the NFL has decided to cut the preseason schedule down from four games to two. This is obviously in response to increased precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have already seen their preseason schedule go from five games to four when the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was canceled.
This throws a significant wrench in the NFL’s preseason strategy but what does it mean specifically for the Steelers?
Gotta play Big Ben
Head coach Mike Tomlin has always had the philosophy of resting his stars including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for all but a small portion of the third preseason game. That goes out the window now with only two games. This situation is made worse by the fact Roethlisberger is coming off of season-ending elbow surgery and live reps.
Get that offensive line some reps
This is a must for two reasons. First, if the team’s franchise quarterback is going to be on the field more, his best blockers must be as well. The entire season depends on his health so Pittsburgh can’t risk putting him out there without the top linemen in front of him.
Second, and just as important, this unit underperformed last season and are going to be shuffling players around in the starting lineup. Live reps will be vital, especially for the starting right tackle battle between Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor.
Focus on young defenders
Where the offense needs this preseason to get back on track, the defense does not. This unit was among the best in the league. If there is an opportunity to rest some guys it will be on this side of the football. Not to mention the team has a significant group of young players who could use the reps on defense to play it extra safe here.
Cut day will be a nightmare
It is never easy for an NFL team to trim a roster from 90 down to 53 and a practice squad. But two fewer games makes it exponentially worse. Evaluating young talent with such strict limitations is going to create a whole different set of problems for the Steelers coaching staff. It’s also problematic for the players who now lose valuable opportunities to make plays and impress the coaching staff.
