Play of two rookies is revealing
The Steelers aren’t expected to start any rookies when they visit the Cleveland Browns for the regular season opener in two weeks. But in their dress rehearsal for the regular season Saturday afternoon against the Titans, two rookies showed they’ll be ready if called upon.
First-round pick Terrell Edmunds started at strong safety for an injured Morgan Burnett and intercepted a pass to go along with four tackles. Edmunds making an impact shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given his draft slot. But the usage of undrafted rookie free agent Matthew Thomas was a bit more revealing.
The Steelers played their defensive starters for more than a half, and Thomas was subbed in to play inside linebacker while starting inside linebacker Vince Williams moved to outside linebacker for Anthony Chickillo in some longer down and distances. The Steelers might not use the personnel package during the regular season once second-year outside linebacker T.J. Watt returns to the lineup, but the willingness to use Thomas in such a role could signal that he’ll be on the 53-man roster.
Thomas excelled for the Steelers Saturday, leading the team with seven tackles.
“I need all the experience I can get,” said Thomas, who was undrafted out of Florida State. “I’m looking forward to more. I did think it was a big deal just being out there with the first-team.”
With Watt out for a third consecutive game due to a hamstring injury, the Steelers put the new package in this week during practice. The Steelers are trying to play to the strengths of their available personnel. Williams is an excellent pass rusher but not great in coverage. Thomas, on the other hand, is the fastest inside linebacker on the team and has the ability to play in pass coverage.
“A lot of linebackers don’t have a lot of speed,” Thomas said. “I’m blessed to have some speed. I can tackle. I can cover. I don’t feel like I have a lot of weaknesses. I just have to work on techniques and learning the defense.”
Thomas received some advice from the coaches before the game and tried to follow it.
“Don’t think; just play,” they said.
“I just went out there and played ball, focused on my assignments,” Thomas said.
Edmunds got his second start this preseason. Burnett also missed the first preseason game due to an injury.
“I definitely want Morgan to come back,” Edmunds said. “He’s a role model to me. He’s a true vet. He’s showing me the way. He’s trying to lead me in the right direction. Every rep I get in practice I just try to take it to the next level, and in the games, I just go out there and try to help the team as best I can.”
Edmunds flashed the skills that got him drafted with the No. 28 overall pick. He dived for his interception, got up quickly and gained 30 yards for the offense with a nifty return.
“It was a play we saw in practice a lot,” he said. “When it happened, you just have to go out there and make the play.”
‘A Steelers story’
Williams signed a new four-year contract Thursday after practice. It’s the third contract for the former sixth-round pick who has added versatility to his resume in recent years.
“Vince’s story is a Steelers story,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “This is a guy, a later draft pick, that has earned his way into this thing. First, as a special teams contributor and then a defender, so it’s fun to watch him go through the natural maturation process that we [aspire] all of these guys to go through. He’s answered the bell at every turn and continued to grow.
“Last year, he showed his ability to rush the passer and be productive for us in those ways. Every year he is working to grow and add to his range of skills. So he’s an easy guy to do business with. We are excited we are going to continue to do business with him and he’s deserving of it.”
Williams had two tackles and a sack against the Titans.
Injuries
Rookie receiver James Washington left the game with an abdominal injury. He said the injury occurred while turning in an attempt to make a catch. He described his removal as precautionary and does not believe he will be out for long. ... Tight end Jesse James left the game with a back contusion and receiver Marcus Tucker had an ankle injury. ... Several starters in addition to Watt and Burnett did not dress. Receiver Antonio Brown, cornerback Mike Hilton and defensive tackle Daniel McCullers, who started at nose tackle last week against Green Bay, all sat.
Quarterback rotation
Ben Roethlisberger started the game and played three series. He was followed by Landry Jones, then Mason Rudolph in the second half. Josh Dobbs, last year’s fourth-round draft pick, did not play. He is expected to see extensive action in the fourth and final preseason game Thursday night against Carolina at Heinz Field.