Steelers @ Falcons
Final Score: Steelers 24, Falcons 0
Writer: Chad Simpson (@CaoChadTTV on Twitter)
The Steelers embarrassed the Falcons in a one-half game. The Steelers RB trio dominated the scoring, while the defense made Heinicke and Woodside very sore.
Three Up
- George Pickens – Setup 1st TD with eye popping catch.
- Kenny Pickett – Wrapped up strong preseason with a perfect night.
- TJ Watt – Reminded folks early that when healthy he is still that good.
Three Down
- Taylor Heinicke – Has had a forgettable preseason that has people no longer clamoring for him to replace Ridder at some point.
- Logan Woodside’s body – Taking 4 sacks in a preseason game is all kinds of miserable.
- Falcons fans – 0 redeeming moments in the final preseason game.
Pittsburgh Steelers
| Preseason Week 1 | Preseason Week 2 |
Quarterback
Kenny Pickett: 4/4, 86 Yards
Pickett had a perfect drive in final tune-up, hitting Diontae Johnson and George Pickens on two gorgeous throws down the sideline. The Steelers starting QB is looking to make a 2nd year leap and is a popular breakout candidate drafted in the later rounds.
every single Kenny Pickett preseason attempt pic.twitter.com/q1TmCCOgOM
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 26, 2023
Notes
- Uncorked a perfect deep ball to Diontae to extend 1st drive.
Mitch Trubisky: 7/9, 54 Yards, 2 sacks | 1 Carry, 24 Yards
Trubisky’s final outing was highlighted by 24 yard scamper but not much more. Trubisky is a solid backup QB and if Pickett ever gets injured would be a boom or bust QB2.
Notes
- Great vision on 24 yard run to move into Falcons territory.
Missed Opportunities
- Failed to capitalize on the field position he acquired.
Running Back
Najee Harris: 4 carries, 18 yards, TD | 1 target, 1 reception, 16 yards
Harris has a TD in tune-up outing. Harris’ value in fantasy is one of the more varied out there with some like myself seeing him as a top 5 RB for the season, while others see him as a RB2.
Notes
- Harris’ long run benefited from a gaping hole in the middle that he burst through before bulldozing a couple defenders en route to a 1st down
- TD is 1 yard walk-in setup by a masterful Pickens catch.
Missed Opportunities
- Struggled at the line of scrimmage
Jaylen Warren: 2 carries, 14 yards, TD
Scores TD, continues to be one of the top handcuffs to roster.
Notes
- TD on a bruising run powering through a deep tackle.
Anthony McFarland Jr.: 10 carries, 55 yards, TD
McFarland had a solid game, averaging 5.5 YPC, scoring a TD in the process. McFarland is a weird one where he isn’t a true handcuff to Harris but he does find a handful of relevant games each year.
Notes
- Bounces outside for a nice 30 yard run.
Xazavian Valladay: 7 carries, 26 yards
I thought I was having a stroke trying to read his name. While not a bad performance, he would need too many injuries to find his way to relevancy if he even makes the roster.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
George Pickens: 1 target, 1 reception, 35 yards
Pickens makes circus catch, showcases why he is the most popular WR breakout target.
every single George Pickens preseason target pic.twitter.com/SlRI9aKx2c
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 25, 2023
Notes
- Absurd catch to set up Harris TD.
Diontae Johnson: 1 target, 1 reception, 33 yards
Hauls in crucial drive extending ball in brief outing. I am not high on Diontae for this year but as long as he is getting separation and Pickett is making the throws he should be a volume based play.
Notes
- Lone target showcased a great job of getting separation from the defender to extend the drive.
Calvin Austin III: 1 target, 1 reception, 8 yards | 1 carry, 3 yards
Flashes dynamic speed and return ability. Austin has real potential to grow into a home run hitting burner somewhere down the line.
Calvin Austin had a nice punt return and Mike Tomlin was HYPED for him. Awesome to see pic.twitter.com/XcctvVS5fQ
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) August 24, 2023
Notes
- 21 yard punt return showcases dynamic speed of Austin.
Missed Opportunities
- Deserved more usage in the pass game with the starters done for the night.
Allen Robinson II: 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
Robinson has short night. Robinson catches just 1 pass for 2 yards and has failed to showcase why he should be drafted this season.
Connor Heyward: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 27 yards
Atlanta Falcons
| Preseason Week 1 | Preseason Week 2 |
Quarterback
Taylor Heinicke: 0/2, sack
Heincke leaves as quick as he arrives, takes a sack for the road.
Missed Opportunities
- Again failed to showcase a reason for him to play over Ridder.
Logan Woodside: 24/31, 196 yards, 4 sacks | 2 carries, 9 yards
Woodside has accurate but painful night with 4 sacks, arm injury. Woodside’s solid preseason coupled with the lack of notable performance from Heinicke has complicated the roster decisions for the Falcons.
Notes
- Avoids a 5th sack with a nice flip pass
Running Back
Godwin Igwebuike: 4 carries, 4 yards | 1 target
God I wish he had done something. With 3 RB ahead of him he is off all fantasy radars.
Carlos Washington Jr.: 13 carries, 27 yards | 4 targets, 4 receptions, 28 yards
Washington “leads” Falcons with 13 carries for an “elite” 27 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Keilahn Harris: 8 targets, 6 receptions, 71 yards
Leads Falcons in targets. Not fantasy relevant.
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 27 yards
Unlikely to be relevant in the regular season barring injury.
Matthew Sexton: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 29 yards
Slade Bolden: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 14 yards