A lot of drama on Steelers stage
lately, nor Bud Dupree. Some exhibition. It does not mean the game lacks interest for those intrigued by the more blue-collar aspects of the Steelers’ building process. In fact, what would be gained by watching Roethlisberger, Brown, Bell and other regulars go through the motions for a few series? Everyone knows what to expect from them.
Here, then, are other areas of competition and development to look for tonight while waiting another month to see the stars come out when the games begin for real:
• Wide receivers Sammie Coates and Eli Rogers starred on the practice fields at Saint Vincent College, Coates on the outside and Rogers in the slot. They have one NFL regular-season catch between them but could play key roles in 2016.
• Jesse James and his gang of tight ends begin the fractured process to replace Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth. Roethlisberger said this week the group has been up and down. Maybe playing simulated real football against the Lions will bring out their true colors, whatever they may be
• Big Dan McCullers and rookie Javon Hargrave, their No. 3 draft pick, take their competition to replace Steve McLendon at nose tackle to the next level. They have contrary styles that should be evident. McCullers is a massive man who cannot be moved and bull-rushes the center. Hargrave is smaller and quicker and more in the McLendon style who can also play end.
• The No. 3 halfback competition — or No. 2 if Bell’s four-game suspension for violating NFL drug rules sticks — is tight among a group of backs who include last season’s playoffs starter Fritz Toussaint along with Daryl Richardson, Cameron Stingily and rookies Brandon Brown-Dukes and Christian Powell.
• Can outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo take his impressive training camp to Heinz Field tonight? Chickillo has been their best-performing outside linebacker at Saint Vincent after his makeover from 2015 sixth-round draft pick. “Chickillo’s been playing very well,” said the guy often trying to block him in camp, left tackle Alejandro Villanueva. “He needs to be able to do that in the game.”
• Can Villanueva seal the deal at left tackle? The Steelers generally believe that he will start there over Ryan Harris, who signed as a free agent after starting every game for the Denver Broncos last season. But he will have to continue to prove he can get the job done. Harris also has practiced on the right side as they prepare him to be the No. 3 tackle.
• Cornerback anyone? William Gay and Ross Cockrell have things locked up as the starters because Burns has hardly practiced, Senquez Golson is likely lost for another season and there really is no one else pushing them. The Steelers need to find answers as to who else can play the position while they hunt for help via the waiver wire or trade.
• Who will spell Heyward and Tuitt? Secondyear man L.T. Walton and veteran Ricardo Mathews, signed as a free agent from San Diego, lead the way.
• More backups. The offensive coaches like the depth on their line and tonight those players get a chance to show everybody else why, although impressive rookie tackle Jerald Hawkins might not play because of an injury.
• And even more backups. Steven Johnson was signed in free agency to play special teams and backup inside linebacker, where two others are trying to make their case to join Vince Williams as the backups to Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons — L.J. Fort and rookie Tyler Matakevich.