Steelers' Stock Watch: Risers after preseason game one win at Buccaneers
The Pittsburgh Steelers were victorious in their first contest of the season, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17 on Friday night. A heck of a way to start the season, there were plenty of bright spots throughout all four quarters for Pittsburgh. But none shined brighter than the QB-WR duo that will have defensive coordinators […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers were victorious in their first contest of the season, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17 on Friday night.
A heck of a way to start the season, there were plenty of bright spots throughout all four quarters for Pittsburgh.
But none shined brighter than the QB-WR duo that will have defensive coordinators sleepless in September:
GP14 & KP8 Coming to a City Near You
Kenny Pickett and George Pickens may have only played one drive on Friday, but it was more than enough to strike fear into the hearts of defense across the league.
Pickett looked poised, evading the rush but keeping his eyes downfield, going 6 for 7 for 70 yards and that 33-yard TD to George Pickens.
As for the talented WR, he continued to show he's more than flash, taking a measly slant route and cutting upfield for the score.
Pickens noted his want to work on his RAC or run after the catch throughout camp, putting his money where his mouth is on the big stage.
So you can call it preseason, but I'll call it an appetizer for the main course, even if the rest of the NFL won't be asking for seconds.
Calvin Austin Says “See Ya”
Making his NFL debut, Austin wasted no time showing the masses what has been a daily occurrence at Steelers camp.
As soon as the corner was caught flat-footed it was curtains for the Bucs' defense, with Austin putting his 4.32 speed to good use, dusting the DB down the boundary for the score.
After not even seeing starting reps at slot WR, maybe Austin felt a little motivated, showing the nation and the Steelers, he's too good under the hood.
The “Khan Artist” goes to work
Perhaps no one deserves more of a boost in their stock after Friday's game than Steelers GM Omar Khan.
Seemingly getting strong performances from every rookie that touched the field, (Jones, Benton, and Herbig) not to mention stellar performances from offseason acquisitions like Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander, the man they call the Khan Artist unveiled his work tonight.
And while it's a little rich to acclaim him the next best thing as a GM, a first impression is a lasting one.
And there you have it, ending the first night of action on a high note, the Steelers get to fly back to Latrobe with high spirits and excitement throughout the cabin.
Sure it was only a preseason game, but nobody wants to start the season off on a bad foot, especially when you play every starter that's healthy, even if it was only for a drive or two.
We'll see if Pittsburgh can keep it up over the next two weeks.
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Featured image via: © Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
