Who makes the cut? Pre-season game #1

On a beautiful Thursday night in Pittsburgh, I was able to take Steelerboy (my 13-year-old son) to his first ever NFL game to see the Steelers play the Cardinals in the first pre-season game of the year.

This is a great time of year – where we gear up for regular season play – but also a time of heartbreak for those who won’t necessarily make that final roster.  Heartbreaking as it may be, there are some who will not make the team.

Here are my thoughts following the game:

• Limas gained some confidence.  Steeler Nation cheered him on as he caught his first pass of the game.  We are all hoping he has grown from last year – a lot of rookie WRs struggle their first year.  What we’ve seen so far looks like he’s been working hard and wants to play.
• I still LOVE Ziggy.
• Mendenhall had a lot of reps early in the game.  Not a lot of yardage.  But then again, if we keep being predictable and sending both RM and FWP up the middle, then who is really to blame?  Can Arians mix the run game up just a little?
• Mike Wallace looked good…rookie hands…but looked good.  On the same note, Shaun McDonald didn’t play bad either.  He seemed to be able to get open for Dixon in the 4th quarter.
• I liked the way Joe Burnett played with passion, but at 5’9″ is he really tall enough?  He seemed to play bigger than he is, but still….with Ike, William Gay, Deshea or even Keenan Lewis, I’m just not sure what his future looks like on this team.
• It’s great to see Sepulveda back and kicking on average 50 yards.  You never know how much you miss a punter until you don’t have one.  And Jeff Reid is a beast- extremely accurate as always.  Piotr Czech kicked a few field goals as well, one he missed and shouldn’t have but the rest, accurate.

Those are my initial thoughts on what was a beautiful night. The way to do it in Pittsburgh, if you are coming from the South Side anyway – park at Station Square – far end from the Gateway Clipper – have some drinks and then take the ferry to the stadium.  Best way to get in and out of a game, in my opinion.

Will have more thoughts following the game at FedEx where I will be taking Steelerboy to his second NFL game.