Preseason Game #2
Saturday night at 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers at N.Y. Giants
The Steelers opened the 2010 preseason last Saturday with a 23-7 victory over the Detroit Lions. They'll get more of a look at their starters come Saturday night when the Steelers travel to East Rutherford, N.J. to face the Giants.
Ben Roethlisberger will see his first action of the preseason, although head coach Mike Tomlin has not indicated whether Roethlisberger will start.
The starters are expected to see approximately 24 snaps.
What to watch for in the second preseason game:
QB controversy?
...Roethlisberger will get some reps but the bigger concern is who will be the starter during his four-game suspension. Byron Leftwich did not have much time in the pocket last Saturday and because of that the first team offense sputtered. Meanwhile, Dennis Dixon was able to move the ball effectively on the ground and through the air. He rushed six times for 31 yards and completed 6 of 7 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Leftwich remains the favorite to claim the starting nod but Dixon only helped his cause last week.
Offensive line troubles
...The first team line struggled last week against Detroit and frankly it's a major problem with only a few weeks to go before the start of the regular season. The 35-year-old Flozell Adams has not adjusted well to the move to right tackle and could be in trouble. The Steelers will give Jonathan Scott more of a look at right tackle early in Saturday's game. First-round pick Maurkice Pouncey is also expected to work in with the first group, splitting time with Justin Hartwig at center.
Players to keep an eye on:
Jason Worilds, LB
...The second-round pick out of Virginia Tech will make his preseason debut after missing last Saturday's game.
Keenan Lewis, CB
...Lewis competed pretty well against Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson last Saturday. He broke up one pass in the end zone but did give up a short touchdown pass. Still, Lewis is on the verge of being a much bigger factor this season after injuries slowed his progress as a rookie.
Antonio Brown, WR
Emmanuel Sanders, WR
...Sanders made a big splash during training camp. Brown emerged as the most impressive player in last Saturday's preseason opener, catching three passes for 84 yards, including a 68-yard TD. One would expect the two promising receivers to get in the game earlier to see how they do against the regulars.