Tim Benz: Even with fast start, Steelers coaches have plenty to examine during preseason finale vs. Falcons

Everyone in Pittsburgh seems excited about how the Steelers have looked so far, and rightfully so.

In their two victories to open up the preseason, the Steelers offense has been potent. The defense has created numerous splash plays. The special teams have been a plus.

Considering the amount of good that can be mined from how well the Steelers have played in their two wins over the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fixating on anything negative would be nitpicking.

So let’s nitpick.

After all, if there is nothing to fix heading into Atlanta on Thursday for the preseason finale, why bother making the trip?

Here are a few things I am willing to bet Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff would like to see before the preseason concludes.

Some life from Najee Harris

It’s great that Jaylen Warren has popped at running back for the Steelers in training camp and the preseason. Tomlin and coordinator Matt Canada must be thrilled about his development.

Jaylen Warren is GONE. 62 yards! ????‍♂️???? @Nunless2

????: Stream #BUFvsPIT on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/zqghSm1fBP

— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2023

That doesn’t mean they want him to be the No. 1 running back, though. The fans and media may be calling for that. But I’m sure Tomlin and Canada would prefer that Harris remain atop the depth chart. He’s bigger, more experienced and has proven he can handle the workload of being the top back. We have no idea if Warren could thrive as much in that capacity as he has in a second role.

Not to mention, there is the small matter of the franchise wanting to validate Harris as a first-round draft choice with the decision to activate his fifth-year option looming. Some clarity on that decision would be nice by season’s end.

But Harris has to earn it. While Warren has sparkled, Harris has been rather flat in the preseason.

Kenny Pickett has looked great throwing the football. The receivers and tight ends have been sharp. The offensive line has had some really good moments, and Warren has opened eyes.

Harris is the one element of the offense that seems to be lagging behind.

Tackling tackle

The left tackle battle is all but over. Barring something unforeseen, Dan Moore Jr. will be the starter ahead of first-round pick Broderick Jones.

The first-team offensive line has been good in the preseason. Moore was part of the wall that set up Warren’s 62-yard touchdown run. Jones allowed a sack against the Bills. But according to Pro Football Focus, his other 19 pass blocking reps were clean. The former Georgia Bulldog hasn’t bullied his way into being a rookie starter as, say, Maurkice Pouncey did as a first-rounder in 2010. But he’s shown flashes of why the Steelers traded up to get him in the first round.

It’d be good to get him lots of work Thursday, maybe even some time with the first team, so that if called upon due to injury early in the season, Jones will be ready to play at a high level.

More sports

• First Call: Surprising retirement for an ex-Steeler; Brock Purdy gets a preseason start; will Steelers see Bijan Robinson?
• Madden Monday: Not buying into the calls for Jaylen Warren to replace Najee Harris as Steelers' 1st-team RB
• Stock up, stock down among Steelers after another preseason win

Center of attention

Establishing a backup center behind Mason Cole would be helpful.

Mike Tomlin was blunt in his assessment of Kendrick Green after Saturday’s win against the Bills. “Not good enough,” Tomlin said. “Routine things routinely.”

That was specifically referencing a second botched preseason snap versus the Bills. Green was also shoved around and committed a holding penalty two weeks ago against the Bucs.

It looks like fullback or bust for Green at this point when it comes to a roster spot or playing time. However, we’ve seen very little of Nate Herbig at center due to his injury. And I think the Steelers would really prefer to keep Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels at guard even in desperate times.

It may prove wise on Thursday for Tomlin, Canada and offensive line coach Pat Meyer to take a long look at seventh-round pick Spencer Anderson to see how well he may project at the position. He has played up and down the offensive line at Maryland and so far in training camp. But his best track to making the team might be if he can stand out at center for now.

A good test

Regardless of whether or not highly touted rookie running back Bijan Robinson plays for Atlanta on Thursday, we know the Falcons want to run the ball. They are a very ground-oriented team.

That should put into better context who should make the team along the defensive line. Armon Watts had a strong first game rushing the passer against the Bucs. Montravius Adams got lots of reps in the base and in subpackages against the Bills with Larry Ogunjobi out of action. The team seems high on rookie Keeanu Benton. And offseason acquisition Breiden Fehoko appears to be an above average run stuffer who came on board at less than a million bucks against the salary cap.

With DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk moving between various positions along the line as well, cuts to the defensive front may be the toughest for this team to make. Anyone who seizes the opportunity to stuff the run against Atlanta will put themselves in a better position.

Down to the wire

With injuries and absences throughout the top of the secondary’s depth chart in training camp, some lesser known players have really stepped up with increased workloads.

Kenny Robinson opened eyes in training camp. Trenton Thompson did the same in Tampa with an interception. And Elijah Riley was active against Buffalo, including a pick in the end zone.

All those players appear special-teams capable, which helps. Given the veterans in front of them, it’d be nice for the coaches if one of those players really separated from the pack before roster cuts are needed.