Sep 8, 2017
Steelers Preseason Wrap-up
As the regular season kicks off the Steelers are 3–1 with Bell back in Pittsburgh, Martavis is fully reinstated, and they have acquired Pro-Bowl corner-back Joe Haden.
Le’Veon reported to the teams facility as promised on September 1st and successfully passed his physical. Bell has yet to sign the Steelers franchise tender and was absent for the entirety of training camp and the preseason.
The “Juice” man has expressed his displeasure with the one-year franchise tag for $12.1 million that the Steelers placed on him this off season in one of his many freestyles.
“I’m going to need 17 because 26 is a savage. They say the franchise should be enough, pockets on Professor Clump…”
Bell believes he deserves more as the franchise tender for the Steelers. Arguably the best running-back in the league, and rightfully so.
Los Angeles Rams running-back Todd Gurley agreed tweeting Bell,
“Nah bro @L_Bell26 you need and deserve $20M a year”.
Bell will be expected to prove himself right away and silence all his doubters.
After missing the entire 20–16 season for drug violations, the N-F-L has cleared Martavis Bryant to participate in regular season practices and games.
Bryant is an explosive playmaker who has 15 touchdowns in a 21 regular season games and could make the Steeler defense completely unstoppable.
One failed drug test and Bryant could end his N-F-L career. General manager Kevin Colbert says,
“He knows he has challenges that he has to continue to overcome, and if he does, he can have a great career and that will be great for him and certainly help us.”
Former Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden has signed a three-year deal with the Steelers for $27 million.
Haden was released by the Browns on August 30th after spending seven seasons with the organization.
He is considered a top cornerback with a recorded 48 tackles and three interceptions in 13 games last season.
Steelers were a favorite for Haden’s services shortly after his release from the Browns, he will make his debut against his former team on September 10th.
Just like that, in three days the Steelers have rebuilt the corner position by signing Haden, trading Ross Cockrell and giving un-drafted free agent Mike Hilton a chance at the slot position.
Prior to the start of training camp, Pittsburgh extended head coach Mike Tomlin’s contract and general manager Kevin Colbert’s contract through the 20-20 season.
Rookie lineback TJ Watt will be starting over veteran James Harrison. The Steelers signed Harrison to a two-year $3.5 million deal in the off-season but wanted Watt and Bud Dupree to take ownership of the primary pass-rush spots.
Harrison will no doubt be a factor in the defense but as a role of specialist.
The defensive line is the deepest it has been in years with Cam Heyward, Javon Hargrave, and Stephon Tuitt. Arguably the Steelers’ best defender, Ryan Shazier already has five interceptions in the past six games including pre-season.
The Steelers have proved inconsistent with top quarterbacks in recent years but when everyone is healthy, there is no team as scary on the offensive side as the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As long as Q-B “Big Ben” Roethlisberger can withstand any early-season injuries, Pittsburgh will make its fourth consecutive trip to the postseason.
Big Ben says he has a great group of guys protecting him,
“They always want to protect me, open up things in the run game. They take pride in being the best in the business, and that’s what I think they are.”
The Steelers’ week one match-up is against the Browns in Cleveland.
