Thursday night the Steelers play the Carolina Panthers in the fourth and final preseason game of the 2010 season. Per my normal routine, I have listed below 10 things to look for Thursday heading into the game.
Manny Time On Returns? – According to head coach Mike Tomlin, rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will get his turn to show what he can do in the return game. Manny better be perfect, because any bobble might allow Tomlin to give Antonio Brown or Stefan Logan the remaining reps. Also just because Tomlin said that was the plan, means absolutely nothing.
The Amazing Crezdon – 2 years from now, Crezdon Butler may be considered the second best pick in this draft next to Maurkice Pouncey. Butler has been worked at both corner spots, nickel, dime and at safety all through camp according to reports. He is very close to perhaps grabbing the 52nd or 53rd spot on the roster and a strong game versus Carolina could seal it. We could use an heir to Ike Taylor, hopefully Butler is it.
Dwyer Details – We know Jonathan Dwyer can run, but as I have shown you, it is the other details that will likely keep him off of the 53 man roster and headed for the practice squad. I do not expect things to be fixed in just a few days, but any improvement will be noticeable for him as I expect he will get quite a long look.
Kan Keenan Komeback? – After a horrid first preseason start at left cornerback, Kennan Lewis will likely be the 2nd man in behind William Gay this week with Bryant McFadden expected to sit again. Hopefully the second year kid can get his confidence back before the season starts. An pick six would do wonders for his mental state.
Hotel Part 4 – Flozell Adams showed considerable improvement against Denver albeit against questionable foes. Thursday will be the final tune up for Adams to get the move to right side finalized. He likely will only get 12 or so snaps as well, so every one of them must be quality.
Getting Ziggy With It – After all the hype this training camp on Ziggy Hood, I was hoping to see much more than I have seen from him this preseason. He is just not flashing over the competition thus far. He has not been bad mind you, I just want to hear is name called more.
Practice Squad Lineman Audition – Hopefully Dorian Brooks and Kyle Jolly get playing time this week. They have only seen a handful of snaps on the line through 3 games with most coming against Detroit. One if not both of these guys could make the practice squad and it would be nice to have some more tape on them.
Bennis Batwich Monster Rotation – The four headed quarterback monster made up of Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich, Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch will be another surprise rotation this week for sure. Perhaps Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El and Mewelde Moore can get an attempt in as well.
Jeff “Robo Skippy” Sepulveda – Perhaps our other two headed kicking battle will get another workout this week as well. Somewhere Roy Gerela and Craig Colquitt are shedding tears at the money these two make and neither can kick it out of the endzone.
No John Norwig or Dr. James Bradley – In case you did not know, John Norwig is the Steelers Head Athletic Trainer and Dr. James Bradley is the Steelers team Orthopedic Physician. Hopefully this is the last time you hear these names until preseason game 4 next year.
