Steelers 0-3 In Preseason With Loss To Chiefs
While the Steelers offense finally broke through with a touchdown in the preseason, the fact is penalties continue to be a problem. The team committed nine penalties costing the team 98 yards against the Chiefs. But the penalty stat that remains conspicuous: the team has been penalized 24 times in the preseason for a total of 234 yards. Those are big numbers for three games. Or to put it in perspective, it's an average of 8 penalties for 81 yards.
Nevertheless, the offense finally awoke with an impressive performance by Roethlisberger who managed three third down conversions. Ben ended up 13/19 for 166 yards and one touchdown (including three passes that were obvious drops). Gradkowski was 8/17 for 115. In addition, Steelers have to be impressed with the performances of Markus Wheaton and Antonio Brown. Wheaton caught 3 passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. Brown had 3 receptions for 61 yards. Just as impressive, these two guys have some very impressive speed.
The O line performed better than they have in the previous two weeks. However, Pouncey came up short again and was penalized twice. In addition, while there was improvement in pass protection, Roethlisberger was still sacked twice. It's imperative the offensive line needs to get its act together for the start of the season. In fact, if the O line can improve in the coming two weeks, those wide-receiver speed demons should have no problems getting behind the opposing secondaries.
A little bit more good news: Troy looks healthy. He's still fast. And he still manages to be everywhere on the field.
Steelers made 15 roster moves today reaching the 75 player Tuesday deadline.
Released were tackle Batiste, RB Baron Batch, OT Mike Farrell, WR David Gilreath, WR Tyler Shaw, corner Ryan Steed, LB Stevenson Sylvester, TE Pete Tuitupou, QB John Wilson, WR J.D. Woods, and running back Jeremy Wright. Other players were placed in the team's waived/injury list.
The roster must be reduced to 53 players by Saturday at 6 p.m.
Update on LB Jarvis Jones: He was released from the hospital. According to the Steelers, his medical test results were negative.
Steelers will play their last preseason game at the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
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