Evaluation Over Wins defined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, a game that, according to Bob Labriola of the Steelers’ official website, served primarily as a crucial stage for player assessment rather than a pursuit of victory. While the Steelers secured a 19-10 win, improving their preseason record to 2-1, the true significance lay in evaluating individual performances to finalize roster decisions.
Positives and Relief
Derrick Harmon’s Injury Scare
A major concern early in the game revolved around rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, the Steelers’ No. 1 pick. Harmon sustained a knee sprain, causing immediate worry. However, the atmosphere lightened considerably when Harmon was later seen on the sideline smiling. According to Labriola’s report on the Pittsburgh Steelers official website, this visual reassurance suggested the injury was not as severe as initially feared, providing a collective sigh of relief for the team and its fans.
Skylar Thompson’s Impressive Showing
Quarterback Skylar Thompson delivered a standout performance, completing 11-of-13 passes for 152 yards. Bob Labriola highlighted that Thompson accounted for 47 percent of the Steelers’ total net yards during his three series, directly contributing to one touchdown and two field goals. This efficient and productive outing significantly bolsters Thompson’s case for a roster spot.
Scotty Miller’s “Exclamation Point”
Wide receiver Scotty Miller made a significant impact with 3 catches for 82 yards against Carolina. Labriola described Miller’s performance as an “exclamation point,” underscoring the receiver’s ability to create separation and make plays. Miller’s growing rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, developed during training camp, was also a noteworthy positive, suggesting a potential connection that could translate into regular-season contributions. Yahya Black was also mentioned in the “exclamation point” category.
Areas of Concern
Discipline and Penalties
Despite the victory, the Steelers’ performance was marred by excessive penalties. The team accumulated 13 penalties for a total of 104 yards. This lack of discipline is a significant concern, as such infractions can be particularly costly in regular-season games, potentially swinging momentum and outcomes. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the Steelers as they prepare for the regular season.
Third-Down Defense
The Panthers’ offense found considerable success on third downs, converting 9-of-16 attempts, a conversion rate of 56.3 percent. According to Labriola’s analysis, this high conversion rate indicates vulnerabilities in the Steelers’ defense, particularly in their ability to get off the field on crucial downs. Improving third-down defense will be a key focus for the coaching staff as they refine their game plan.
Time of Possession
Carolina held a nearly 10-minute advantage in time of possession, even with their third and fourth-string quarterbacks at the helm. Labriola pointed out that this disparity highlights the Steelers’ inability to sustain drives on offense and effectively control the game. A more balanced time of possession is essential for wearing down opponents and maintaining defensive freshness throughout the game.
The Preseason’s True Value: Player Evaluation
Bob Labriola emphasized that the primary purpose of the preseason finale is to inform player evaluations, which directly influence roster decisions and job assignments. The 2-1 preseason record, while a welcome improvement from the previous year’s 0-3 showing, takes a backseat to the individual performances that help coaches and management determine the final 53-man roster. Every snap, every play, contributes to the overall assessment, making each game a critical component of the team-building process.
In conclusion, the Steelers’ preseason victory over the Panthers provided a mixed bag of results. While there were encouraging performances from players like Skylar Thompson and Scotty Miller, areas of concern such as penalties and third-down defense need immediate attention. Ultimately, as Bob Labriola articulated, the true value lies in the evaluation over wins, with the game serving as a vital tool in shaping the final roster and preparing the team for the challenges of the regular season.
