SteelerWatch

Between family issues and not feeling well, I've been pretty much absent this week.  But it's time for the pregame update.

- Training camp is over.  We made it out with no significant injuries that will keep people out for indefinite periods.  If memory serves me, the only one with a lingering injury is James Harrison, but he could play tonight.  I'm honestly not sure right now.  And Lawrence Timmons finally got back into practice this week.

- Willie Parker will play tonight, as will Timmons.  Thank everything Holy for that!

- The starters are mostly expected to play at least a quarter tonight.  It's possible that some guys, like Parker and Timmons, could be limited due to having been absent from most activities for the last three weeks.

- Look for the starting offensive line to start resembling what we expect come the regular season: Marvel Smith, Alan Faneca (if he plays tonight), Sean Mahan, Kendall Simmons, and Willie Colon.  This isn't based off any insider information, just pure observation from camp and the first two preseason games.  If not this week, then definitely next week.  The line needs to be settled soon so these guys can start to jell.

- Even with the problems dropped balls, expect Nate Washington to continue to be the number three receiver.  Bruce Arians, while beginning to take notice of his drops, continues to be high on the young wideout and would like to give him time to overcome the issue.  It is believe that it is purely a concentration issue, and not just rock-solid hands.  We'll see.  What we do know is that he can work some magic once he actually catches a ball, so it would be in our best interest to try and improve the situation quickly. 

- We face the Redskins tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET.  The offense should be able to effectively move the ball against their defense, so this will be a good chance to see what they can do when they get into a rhythm.  The defense will also be facing a largely inexperienced, but mobile, quarterback.  We could see some improved pass rush tonight — at least if Lawrence Timmons is as good as the front office thinks he is.  When it comes to linebackers, I don't question Steelers' management, so we'll look at this with the glass half full. 

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 18th, 2007 at 12:28 pm and is filed under Game Time!, Pre-Season. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.