Be A Hero: The Final 53. Final Edition.

For each form of insurmountable odds a team faces within the NFL season, be it bad luck or a teams arch nemesis, a hero or a collective group of them will be needed to save the day for their respective teams in order for them to continue their ascension towards the frigid tundra in Minneapolis. For the Steelers, finding those "heroes" have not been an issue since 1970. For each of their six rings, a "hero" has emerged and has secured their place in Steelers lore even among the greatest to play in the NFL. From players like Rocky Bleier to Santonio Homles, Pittsburgh has understood that even role or depth players on their team are just as important as the superstars or starters who supercede them.



Today, I, AskQuestionsLater, will give you my final prediction for the final 53 and will include some names that I believe who can become the "hero" Pittsburgh needs in order to ascend to the "Stairway That Leads To Seven". With this out of the way, let us start with the offense... or more speficially, the Quarterback. Before we embark on this latest installment, as always, a disclaimer.


Disclaimer's Warning:


The following opinion is shared only by AskQuestionsLater and is not reflective on members and/or staff of TheSteelersFans Community.


With our trusty disclaimers notice now out of the way, onto the Quarterbacks. Be forewarned however, given the fact this is my final 53 prediction, I did add some humor into this prediction this time around due to the nature of some things being more clear than others, such as roster locks or friendly jabs at those who are in "danger" of not making it.


Quarterbacks:


Ben Roethlisberger: .... I am running out of ways to continuously type this. That being said, I have a new way to showcase my personal feelings of Ben's spot on the final 53.







Landry Jones:


.......







Joshua Dobbs:


*Sigh.....





As the picture says. Not going anywhere. As I have stated multiple times, any form of experience he earns this preseason will be gold come next season. Until then, learning the position better is top priority.




Running Backs:


Le'Veon Bell:


AskQuestionsLater: So Le'Veon. What are your thoughts on the fanbase's opinion of you not showing up for the preseason?


Le'Veon Bell: Bro, let me tell you how it is;







James Conner (Rookie):


***Hero Alert***


Already have whom I believe to be a prime candidate for one of the faces that will end up saving our season for certian. Given the fact that Le'veon Bell has never played an entire 16 game season due to suspensions or injuires, there is no reason to believe that someone like James is capable of filling in for him should something go south with Bell's health again. James has shown improvement with his lateral agility and can bust out big yardage when called upon, his pass blocking as well being underlooked. Now, his hands could be an issue but I am certain that, when the time comes, this current issue will become less likely so. We all know about James Conners' heroic victory beating Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Now, we may see his tiime to be a "hero"for his hometown team yet if Bell gets injured again.


Terrell Watson:


Even though he appears to be headed for the Practice Squad, I personally would not rule out having two rookies with two different running styles on the Final 53. Brusing "North/South" runners still have a place in the league. In spite of his lack of Special Teams play, he still does have time to showcase that in two days from today. Should be siginficant, expect Watson to not just fullfill his dream of making an NFL Roster but also being able to play on a Super Bowl contending one.



Fullback:


Roosevelt Nix:


Lead blocking and punishing others since 2015. Do not expect that to change.



Wide Receiver:


Antonio Brown:


Blast. I think you and me can look forward to so much more of this...





and this..






Never gets old.



Martavis Bryant:


Really looking forward to plays like this..







Now that the NFL has let Martavis Bryant free, he can get back to join the "Killer B's" and to conitnue making plays just like the one above. Now, should Martavis be injured for any period of time, there is a redzone contingency plan for that; high emphasis on "red zone", by the way.



JuJu Smith Schuster (Rookie):


*** Hero Alert ****


Most of SteelersNation, even to this day, will tell newcomers to the franchise that the 2016 AFC Championship Game was lost due in major part to the defense. While the defense did not play a great game, the offenses inability to punch their ticket into the endzone played just as much of a factor if not more than. Fast forward to today, and we have a young and up and coming receiver who may just bring some "JuJu On That Beat" for the offense. Praised for his combative catching ability and physicality, JuJu puts some fans in the minds of either Anquan Boldin or Steelers legend Hines Ward. Due to the fact that the team did not have a relialbe redzone target, adding someone like JuJu increases the likelihood of putting six points on the board as opposed to three. With the return of Martavis Bryant however, teams are now going to have to figure out how to not only account for AB and Martavis but also JuJu as well.




Eli Rodgers:


Witty, tough and determined, Eli fits the classic slot role for Pittsburgh. While we just only heard of him sparringly throughout the preseason, this does not mean his spot is in any danger....yet. Right now the incumbent to start out at the slot, Eli will have to maintain consisetncy to fight off JuJu if he wants to continue to play. Given his impressive performance against the Colts however, Eli is ready to hold onto his starting slot role a while longer.



DeMarius Heyward Bey:


While many want him gone, there is literally no other receiver on the team currently that can match DHB's special teams ability. Given the fact that neither Sammie Coates nor Justin Hunter have showcased much for the entirety of the preseason in that department, coupled with the fact that a new face has just dropped into the Steel City, DHB's place on the final 53 remains safe.



Tight Ends:


Jesse James:


The starting incumbent, whom I, like many others, have more questions now regarding his abilities as a starting capable tight end. While Jesse has excelled in making contested catches, completing the process is another story in its own. If anything, we have not heard much from "The Outlaw" since the AFC Championship Game in totality. Having been targeted three times but only hauling in one pass does not send a confident message to either Mike Tomlin or Big Ben. While his run blocking has gotten much better, his abilities to make those combat catches along with showcasing some seam busting abilites should have as well. Given the fact that Todd Haley did not dial up plays designed to use Jesse in a way, one has to assume that Jesse has not improved in these areas; prompting the Steelers to force their hand.



Vance McDonald (Newcomer):


*** Hero Alert ***


While it does seem quite short sighted to have a new player as a possible hero that could possibly end up saving the Steelers season, bear in mind that the performance of the tight ends overall has forced Mike Tomlin's hand. Vance McDonald does bring not only seam busting abiliites and combat catching but a vertical component that the Steelers have not had since Heath Miller's heyday's. Add his abilities as a run blocker leading the way for his former teammate in Carlos Hyde and one has essentially a more athletic but more consistent Jesse James. Speaking of which, this also potentially signals the beginning of the end for Jesse James in the starting rotation at some point; even soon as possible. Given all these tangibles, Vance's number may be tasked to save Pittsburgh's season at some point when he is slotted into the lineup.



David Johnson:


Stil reliable as ever but with more pass catching abiities than Jake McGee. Make no mistake though, McGee will be on this team in 2018 given the fact that Daivd Johnsons cap hit is too much for a guy who will more than likely be on the wrong side of 30.



Offensive Lineman:



Alejandro Villanueva:



*** Hero Alert ***


Jadeveon Clowney. Justin Houston. Danielle Hunter. Myles Garrett. Leonard Floyd. Ziggy Ansah. Clay Matthews. In order for the Steelers to reach the LII Super Bowl, "Big Al" must be ready for the tumultuous road that lies ahead. He has not had too good a show casing thus far; once by Falcons rookie pass rusher Takkarist Mckinley and then a fundemental breakdown against Indianapolis. Alejandro has already been a hero for the United States of America; serving the United States Army. It is now his time to do so once more for not just Big Ben but the Steelers as well. Beating one of this aforementioned pass rushers in critical stretches of key games will be needed.



David DeCastro:


Now is the time for David to ascend into the NFL's elite among interior offensive lineman. His fellow teammate Maurkice already this distinction. Realistically, this would not be a talking point for David had his sluggish 2016 start prevented him from earning another First Team All Pro nomination; his first being in 2015. Should he start just as fast as he has this preseason, not only will he be able to notch up another First Team All Pro Award, he can join the likes of Zach Martin and Kelechi Osemele along with his fellow teammate in Maurkice Pouncey. Speaking of which..



Maurkice Pouncey:


Second only to the gold standard in Travis Frederick, Maurkice Pouncey's place among the NFL's elite is secure. What has not been however, has been his health. 2013 and 2015 were not kind to Maurkice, this current preseason up until his appearnance against the Colts the same. His health is gonig to be a key factor for not just this season but for his chances upon receving a bust in Canton. Should his health hold up, when it is all said and done, Maurkice will be alongside his great predecessor in Dermontti Dawson in Canton.



Ramon Foster:



Not hearing his name all preseason does seem a bit unerving but rest assured, this is the same, reliable interior lineman that sat alongside Zach Martin and Kelechi Osemele a year ago by not yielding neither a sack or pressure among their quarterbacks. His consistency is a major component as to why the Steelers offensive line has been among the best in the league. To think that an undrafted rookie could evolve so much in something that I still do not believe Tomlin gets enough credit for. While he may not be in the Pro Bowl or in Canton, hardcore Steelers fans will remember for sure.



Marcus Gilbert:



Unlike David DeCastro, who has earned an All Pro nod, Marcus Gilbert never has; something I am still perplexed by. Did Marcus do something horrific that is not being shared among the NFL community? That would be the only reason as to why he has never received a Pro Bowl invitation. For me, while these two players are in two different predicaments, Marcus Gilbert can be indirectly linked to former Steelers legend Larry Brown; a player Chuck Noll vouched for to be in Canton. Given the fact that Marcus' likelihood of being in Canton has all but closed, a Pro Bowl berth should not be.



Jerald Hawkins:


That first preseason game where he looked very poor now seems so long ago. My personal favorite to have a "Sophomore Surge" among his 2016 classmates has had an very good string of games; first against the NFC Champion Falcons and then against the Colts. It is clear that Jerald is the incumbent for the swing tackle position but this does not mean we have seen his maximum potential. Granted, we will not see them this Thursday but should anything happen to either Alejandro or Marcus, Jerald has now shown he is capable of heeding the call upon his number being called.



B.J. Finney:


My favorite Undrafted Rookie pick up from the 2015 class and my third favorite player from that class, B.J.'s journey is now akin to what many of us saw Ramon Foster go through in 2009. Not only has B.J. Finney proved his worth since his rookie season in 2015, he has proven to be the solution for the team moving forward when Foster elects to hang 'em up for good. Given the fact that said possibility is not too far off, Pittsburgh should be glad that they already have a starting capable interior player waiting in the wings.



Matt Feiler:


Out of practice squad eligibility but seemingly not in danger in my eyes, Matt Feiler has shown more than enough in two preseasons to warrant a spot on the final 53. Not only has he improved his balance upon initiating contact with interior defenders (a criticism of his coming out as an offensive tackle), he has also improved his leverage and hand placement; his day agains the Falcons being his best in my opinion thus far. One more game remains and one more oppurtunity has presented itself. For me though, Matt Feiler will pull out all the stops to showcase he does belong on the final 53. Not only that but it also ensures the team that they have a versatile piece on the team when Chris Hubbard leaves.


Chris Hubbard:


While it is a bit unusual to keep up to nine offensive lineman, the fact remains is that Hubbard has shown to be effective within his limited roles; his most prominent being tackle eligible. However, with me placing Jake McGee on the final 53, one has to wonder what Hubbard's role is. Versatility. Should anything happen to Hawkins or Finney Hubbard can play either spot. If anything, this just may be his last season as a Steeler as he has quite the cap hit for a player his age.




Defense:


This section is going to have a lot more "heroes" given the fact that this team not only goes as far as Big Ben takes them but also how well this defense has improved. Some of the elements have shown us this defense can be great within time over the course of the season. However, for some players, time is running out, and fast too. Without further a do, here is where we now begin the defensive roster; the defensive lineman being first.



Defensive Lineman:



Cameron Hewyard:








Stephon Tuitt:







Javon Hargrave:


He is going to be "GraveDiggin" this season. If he stays healthy, nevermind the funeral percession of his foes. He might just end up dancing in Hawaii.



Tyson Alualu:


*** Hero Alert ***



A former top 10 draft choice with a lot to prove, this player seems a bit more of the "Anti Hero" label given his own desires. However, that will not be the case for Tyson. Given the fact that both Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heward have played nearly 90% of defensive snaps since 2015 speaks volumes about how little Mike Tomlin had faith in his reserve unit. Cam Thomas was not good and Ricardo Matthews slightly better. Tyson Alualu's arrival signals the end of non substitution for both Tuitt and Heyward. Given the fact that big offensive line tests like Tenessee, Green Bay, and New England await them, Tyson will be needed to maintain the pressure against opposing quarterbacks like Marcus Mariota, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady in addition to slowing down their rushing attack.



L.T. Walton:


*** Hero Alert ***


Having seen considerable progression since 2015, I knew that L.T. Walton was a great draft choice from the moment Pittsburgh nabbed him out of Central Michigan. Three years later and now L.T. Walton finds himself in his natural spot as a versatile nose tackle. However, given Javon Hargrave's concussion issues, one has to wonder how much more can Javon take? While there is no way of avoiding frontal assualts to the head in a burtal position like nose tackle, given the fact that Javon has had multiple concussion issues, L.T.'s number may be called sooner rather than later. We have perused through multiple articles of the improvemet first hand since the start of Training Camp at Saint Latrobe and have seen in ever since; his best game again being against Atlanta like Hakwins. However, all of what he has learned will be critical to ensure Pittsburgh's ascension to seven. Especially against a run heavy opponent like the Bears coming soon, should anything happen to the "GraveDigger", Walton will have to "Dig In" for him.



Johnny Maxey:


Now that L.T. Walton has slid into his natural home, it is prove it time for Johnny Maxey. Given the fact that the team could still possibly upgrade this position at any moment now, a good final preseason showcasing will help him but he must maintain consistency. Given the fact that we did not see him last week in addition to his fellow teammate Lavon Hooks getting the nod mostly at the second team defense, one has to wonder if Mike Tomlin is sending a message to Maxey.




Outside Linebackers:



Bud Dupree:


*** Hero Alert ***


Not since Jason Worilds has a Steelers Outside Linebacker been able to crack seven or more sacks. Given the fact that Dupree is widely reputed to be next in line to carry on the tradition of Steelers linebacking excellence, it is now or never for Dupree to see if he can carry on that tradition. Ronnie Stanley, Jack Conklin, David Bakhtiari and Duane Brown are just some of the names that Dupree will go up against. However, that being said, Dupree has shown more methods for a plan of attack heading into the season against the Colts. On a number of occassions, as opposed to just simply bull rush to attempt to beat an offensive tackle, Dupree has shown the capability to manuever himself inside should his initial attack plan fail; dipping under opposing tackles and improved hip flexibility the same. Even with all these traits, quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady must be stopped instantenously. Otherwise, Pittsburgh's dreams of reaching the stairway may fall short again.



Ryan Shazier:


*** Hero Alert ***


No one will ever question Ryan Shazier's playmaking abiliites. No one will deny he is not a top 10 linebacker in the game. Most importantly though, no one can say he is not the defenses most dynamic player. We all, however, can say his health is always in question. Ryan Shazier has missed some time since being drafted in 2014 out of Ohio State. Given the fact that he made an immediate impression, ones next hope would be his health. That hope, however has not panned out well and time is running out for Shazier to silence his critics. Entering a year where the team is so close towards seeing the summit of the stairway, Shazier's health can and will make or break this linebacking corps. This is not even accounting facing top tight end threats like Tyler Eifert, Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennent, Eric Ebron, Maxx Williams, Zach Miller, Dalenie Walker and others. If anything, this teams success may hinder on Ryan's ability to stay healthy as he will be needed to repeat some of his heroics as he did last season.



Vince Williams:


*** Hero Alert ***


Letting go of Lawrence Timmons meant that the Steelers were confident in Vince Williams abilities. I never had any questions about his abilities to play the run. To play the pass was a different question. However, I myself, have not seen much improvement of this area all preseason when the ball is thrown in his direction. Against the Giants, this was not an issue. Against the Falcons and Colts, this issue was magnified. Unlike Ryan, Vince does not possess the coverage capabilities that Shazier provides. In a situation where Shazier goes down will be the situation teams will start throwing in Williams' direction; meaning that his time will be near when it does come. Ryan Shazier has never completed a 16 game season but also Williams' shoulder history the same. Time will tell if letting go of the "Law Dog" was the right call.



Tyler Matakevich:


A former Bronco Nagurski winner was one of the best picks from the 2016 draft through fan preception. Reputed names within said award like Charles Woodson or Champ Bailey have showcased said players do have "it" within them to not just make plays but be consistent doing so. However, this is not a reason why "Dirty Red"will end up being a hero. Given the fact that there will come a point in which Vince Williams may be injured, Tyler will need to step up to fill the void. He did so at the tail end of the Miami Dolphins game during the 2016 regular season. In addition, given the fact that he has made it a point to improve his lateral agility, one could assume that he has gotten better in pass coverage in spite of the fact that he has been shaky in said area against both the Falcons and Colts. Another shot against Carolina means another shot to showcase the fruits on his training. Should he accomplish this, should Vince Williams fall via injury, Tyler's hard work may just end up rise to the surface in a key situation.



TJ Watt (Rookie):


*** Hero Alert ***


Surpassing the likes of any all time team leader in sacks is one thing. Surpassing the likes of James Harrison; the man who somehow keeps defeating Father Tiime himself, is another story all together. Realistically speaking, I would not even account his assisted tackle and half sack performance against Indianapolis as said team is based heavily on quick strikes and screens. I will, however, focus on the gravity of TJ being inserted into the starting lineup as a rookie. Such a phenomeon has not happend since Ryan Shazier but is popping up more and more often. Sean Davis initially, then Javon Hargrave, then Artie Burns, and Sean Daivs again back at his home at safety. Now T.J. can be added to that exclusive list. However, this does not mean he will not face stiff challenges. Much has been made about Myles Garrett coming after Big Ben but not much has been said about going up against a future Hall of Fame Offensive Tackle by the name of Joe Thomas. Keep in mind the last elite level offensive tackle T.J. went up against did not pan out well. While Bud will do his best to get to the quarterback, T.J. must do the same for him as both players must support each other to boost Pittsburgh's pass rush and revive its reputation of stellar linebacking tradition as he will be needed to contribute in big ways during the season. He also must come out of the footsteps of his elder brother J.J.; a person he will be fated to meet this season on Christmas.



Anthony Chickillo:


Had it not been for Al Golden, Anthony Chickillo may have been starting opposite Bud Dupree and perhaps a different road could have been taken in the 2017 NFL Draft. Within the same token, had that been the case, we would have never gotten T.J. Watt either. Be it as it may, Anthony has shown improvement from his defensive end days at the University of Miami; finally seeing his results of a complete transformation at outside linebacker. He has improved burst and improved hip flexibility from a year ago in addition to having a more cohesive attack plan against opposing offensive tackles. If anything happens to Dupree, Chickillo is now capapble of ensuring that the heat stays on the quarterback. Keep in mind that, technically, Chickillo has been playing the position for only two years.



L.J. Fort:


The next best option for covering tight ends as far as our linebacking corps is concerned. He may not be the athlete Shazier is but he is good enough to work well in space. Add his improved capabilities against the run and you have a quality depth player.



Arthur Moats:


There really is not too much I can analyze or wrtie up about him. Just a solid depth piece and an awesome special teams player. Nothing more to it than that.



James Harrison:


*** Hero Alert ***


Having been the original "Hero" of the "Renegade" defenses of the 2000s, James Harrisons glory days are truly behind him; now being taksed as not only the "pitch reliever" but a mentor towards the next generation. However, this does not mean that "Deebo" does not have some 'heroic' moments remaining. Given the fact that he was the third best 3-4 outside linebacker by Pro Football Focus, his knowledge and conditioning of the game speaks volumes as to why he has been in the league for so long. That being said, for Pittsburgh to close out big games against the likes of New England and Green Bay, Pittsburgh will need James Harrison to resurrect his 2008 Defensive Player of The Year abiliites once more as his "relief" can "relieve" Pittsburgh of those nasty New England demons.


Cornerbacks:



Artie Burns:


*** Hero Alert ***


Expect the above message to be repeated for just about every secondary member. Artie has shown he is capable of matching up with the opposing team's number one receivers but there seem to be some nuances to his game that still need refinement. For one, over aggression is key as he was flagged against Atlanta for an unecessary roughness call. Ball tracking appears to be another as he let his man pick up a good gain against the Colts. His ability to play the run has gotten better but lacks consistency as he is either over aggressive upon tackling angles or not accounting for proper tackling displince all together. This does not bode well for a player who has to take on the likes of A.J. Green, Kevin White, Jeremy Maclin, Corey Coleman, Chris Logan, Jordy Nelson, Golden Tate, T.Y. Hilton or De'Andre Hopkins. Not only are said players skilled upon obtaining yards after the catch, the are also well rounded in the run blocking department as well. As I had stated in my "Most To Prove" thread earlier this year, three years of a defensive rebuild now rests on Artie's shoulders to ensure that the rebuild is a sucess as many passes can and will be coming his way. For Pittsburgh to reach the stairway, Artie has to not only grasp the principles of tackling but also playing covergae.



Joe Haden:


*** Hero Alert ***


This is eerily similar to the Tyson Alualu description but in a different vein. Fresh off of being cut by the Cleveland Browns, Joe Haden is now placing his bets not only on a chance to become a Super Bowl Champion but himself. Not only has he been unable to finish an entire season since his rookie year, he may or may not have the same level of Pro Bowl abilities he once did. That being said, receivers like Danny Amendola and Eddie Royal will be waiting to challenge his abilities. This also does not include the aforementioned top tier receivers like Jordy Nelson should, or rather when, Mike McCarthy elects to exploit that weakness should he see it. For Pittsburgh to reach the frozen tundra that is Minneapolis, Joe Haden must not only recapture his Pro Bowl form but have his health maintain the course.



Ross Cockrell:



Coty Sensabaugh:


With the signing of Joe Haden in addition to Mike Tomlin's willingness to rotate him and Cocrkell into the lineup against the Colts last Saturday, it appears as if Coty's roster spot is not just locked up, he now has a good spot as a depth option.


Given the likelihood that Ross' days in Pittsburgh are coming to a close, Coty's days in Pittsburgh will be looking up for the foreseable future.



Cameron Sutton:


His glimpses may have been short against the likes of Indianapolis but we will get an extended preview against the Panthers in less than 48 hours from now. He has shown the willingness in run support along with his reputed ball skills in coverage. More of a showcasing can help Sutton push Gay on the bench sooner rather than later.



Brian Allen:


Yes, yes. I am aware I shall receive some flak for leaving him on the final 53 and rightfully so. The practice squad is a constant reminder that players like Brian Allen and others can hone their skills there; waiting paitently for their team for the next season or even the current season if their team needs some emergency depth. However, I personally cannot overlook the fact that Brian has come so far since his early days in training camp. Make no mistake about this; very raw without a doubt. However, his improvement over the last three preseason games, each one better better than the last, has me excited for him come Thursday. While it is unlikely that Brian will crack the 53, a good showcasing may force Tomlin's hand to keep him there.



Mike Hilton:


Mike Hilton is easily this year's diamond in the rough. We had heard his name quite often since the start of training camp and, like T.J. Watt, had a big coming out party agains the New York Giants. His play would only improve from there onward. Thursday is going to be a big day for him in spite of his roster spot. Should he impress more than Sutton, perhaps Hilton could be on the fast track to supercede Gay as opposed to the third round corner.




Safety:


Mike Mitchell:


*** Hero Alert ***


His presence among the secondary is a big reason as to why the back end has been so repulsive to look at in these two preseason games. To say he needs to play the final one is the equivalent of purchasing a Corvette for the sole purpose of just looking at it without driving it. However, this "War Daddy" will be needed in the regular season opener against Cleveland as the secondary surely misses his leadership. One cannot replicate what Mitchell provides to the secondary. Within the same vein, Mitchell must be in top form upon coming back. If he is not, much of the issues we see in the secondary will carry over into the regular season; a long one for the team.




Sean Davis:


*** Hero Alert ***


If 2016 was supposed to be his worst season, does that mean 2017 is just a marginal improvement? While he has not given up the astronomical number of big plays like Ross Cockrell has, I have yet to hear from him in terms of impact plays. Given the fact that he may still be nursing his shoulder, this does not entirely explain as to why we have not seen those big plays in the passing game.


No pass deflections. No turnovers. Nothing.


This is not good for a player that many, myself included, envisioned would have a Pro Bowl caliber season at all. Yes, his ability to diagnose running plays and screens have improved as has his tackling but his lack of ball production is a bit concerning. Usually when a player is not having a lot of passes thrown within his vicinity, it generally points towards a positive note. However, with Sean Davis, this is not the case. It is more than likely unlikely he will play in the final preseason game. Regarding the regular season though, more big plays are needed from him. From forcing a fumble to making that key pass break up or interception is what Davis needs to do for his team.



Robert Golden:


He was once a starter. Now he is in a reserve role. Even so, he has not shown to be capable enough of doing that given his oppurtunities. His run support remains solid but his pass coverage is still questionable; between the numbers on the field doubly so. I would not be surprised to see Pittsburgh roam for a safety after their final preseason game.



Jordan Dangerfield:



He is more critized than he should be but has the only two interceptions of any member in the defensive backfield. Regardless of the circumstances, Jordan Dangerfield has proven he is capable of playing safety in addition to his special teams capabilities. A good showcasing on Thursday will probably move him up the depth chart to take Robert Goldens spot as the top contingency plan and secure his spot for the second straight year if he has not already.



Special Teams:



Chris Boswell:


*Next



Jordan Berry:


*Next



Colin Holba:


Most people are freaking out about the botched snap by Holba and are now concerned about his abilities to replace Greg Warren. I however, remain just as content as I did when we drafted him and, if anything, feel even more satisfied. I am happy he had that snap now than later because he can learn from it and get better.




*Whew...............


................





Wow. Done...... and done.....



Alright guys. That concludes my list of the final 53 and the *** heroes *** that will be needed in order for the Pittsburgh Steelers to not only begin their ascension towards the stairway but reach the summit of the stairway that will lead to seven.



As always, if you have any thoughts or suggestions, please leave them down below as they really do help me out!


Now, time for this write up stats:


Time to complete was 4 hours exactly; down by nearly four hours from the previous final 53.


Once again, thank you for reading and I will see you guys next time!

 

Good job and nicely formatted.The only thing I really don't feel is correct is hero alerts for our DB'S . I see them more as who gets replaced the fastest . People keep hanging their hat on it's just preseason that's why they look bad,well a lot of guys they have been getting beat by are not Varsity level guys . Scheme or no scheme missing players or not.Our Varsity guys should be able to look a lot better against the JV .

 

Ugh....



Seems with every one of these I love to leave out people.


While this did take me less time, bear in mind this is coming off of me doing some serious heavy labor; a good eight hours of it.



I will add those guys on the roster. I promise!

 

I think you made a boo boo with LBers

Great work though! Awesome read

 

What would adding Joe Haden do to your personal 53 man roster?

James Harrison?
Big Red?

 

burns, haden, sutton, hilton, sensabaugh, ???????? where does phillips fall in this group? allen? ross?

will willie gay finally make that move to FS? who then gets cut? golden? dangerfield? < he's played better so far.

 

I live in Hooterville and have really slow DSL. I had time to eat dinner while this downloaded.

Thanks, much appreciated. Good read.

 

Nice work!! I still think Brian Allen goes to the PS more so now with the Haden addition.

 

Okay everyone! The final 53 has been updated! Lots of changes.


Dirty Red, James Harrison, Joe Haden and Coty Sensabaugh have all been added.


Ross Cockrell and William Gay have been removed.

 

Not sure Brian Allen makes the team... his upside potential is high and maybe he does get picked up if try to sneak him to the PS, but he is far from a sure thing.

You want a seasoned veteran CB who knows the defense out there. I think Gay stays over Allen.

 

Great now i might actually be sober for a day or 2. On the 4 real though I bet our CB''S will be giving all they have against the Panthers . Someone is going to save their job or die trying.

 

This is true.


However, I am cutting William Gay due to the fact that Coty Sensabaugh can play both and more than likely could be the starting incumbent for the team.

 

I doubt they cut Gay. Very very unlikely.