August 29, 2015

Steelers-Bills: Five players to watch

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by Neal Coolong • Coverage • Steelers

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Had it been written last week that the Steelers would enter their fourth preseason game Saturday against the Bills — Ralph Wilson Stadium, 4 p.m. kickoff — without Maurkice Pouncey and Martavis Bryant but with Mike Vick, it would have defied belief. But here we are. It feels like the Steelers completed training camp as

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17 Comments Newest to oldest

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Nate
8-29-2015, 12:37 am
Don't know why, but I've got a good feeling about DHB filling in adequately. I think he may realize this is one of the last chances he'll get to prove he can consistently hold on to the football. If he can be mentally tough, the offense will be better for it.

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steelag70
8-29-2015, 10:09 am
His speed can definitely take the top off of the defense.

bpn8pitt
8-29-2015, 10:33 am
Special teams always seems to factor in those last few roster spots.

Phantaskippy
8-29-2015, 12:59 am
This is usually the worst preseason week, starters playing a bit longer still doesn't give any clues to week 1.
This game though, Sammy Coates, DHB, Tyler Murphy all have a big chance to impact this team in a more important way. Should make for an interesting game.

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mmng
8-29-2015, 7:23 am
This is usually the only watchable preseason game. A lot of teams play starters into the third quarter.

Rbilak1
8-29-2015, 8:24 am
I thought Murphy would be on the list. With the Bryant suspension he has a chance to make the team and looked very polished last week.

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cold_old_steelers_fan
8-29-2015, 8:27 am
I like Tyler Murphy as a guy to watch in this game. I think he makes the 53 and is the 5th receiver while Bryant is gone.

Cam Thomas is a player that disappoints me. He seems solid at times only to put on roller skates and disappear at others. If he can put that behind him then great but I think his is a movie we have seen before and iirc it doesn't end well.

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William Maloni
8-29-2015, 1:28 pm
Cut Cam Thomas ASAP and give his time to the most promising DL rookies or pick one of the inevitable DE/DT cuts from other teams who is a better player than Thomas.

bpn8pitt
8-29-2015, 2:25 pm
Yea, I'm done with him too. Rather give a younger player snaps and live with the mistakes than watch Cam do nothing.

Scott in Orlando
8-29-2015, 9:29 am
Mr. Coolong, thank you for the information and opinion on the 5 to watch today. I am a bit skeptical at DHB, however, he has been a perpetual underachiever his entire career. Perhaps this new opportunity will invigorate him as he sees his chances past this, dwindling.

Relative to Mr. Vick, it is possible he can get two-point chances as it seems this year the NFL will try this option for than in the past due to the moving back of the extra point. Just a thought.

The punting game still intrigues me and am curious which way the Steelers will go. Competition is a good thing in this instance.

Mr. Coolong, I would like your opinion on Dri Archer making this team. He has NEVER impressed me and I would like to hear your opinion on him, sir. Thank you.

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Neal Coolong
8-29-2015, 10:12 am
Hello Mr. Scott,

Murphy may sneak in there. It's also possible they'd rather him not get regular season reps because they're not going to keep six receivers after Bryant comes back, and they'd rather stash him away for now.

DHB has an unfortunate set of hands. He's not signing three consecutive one year deals if he caught the ball consistently. But he's out of the league if he doesn't do other things well. He could end up a valuable commodity.

Archer makes the team. Come hell or high water, he's their return man. He looks a bit better than he did last year, still needs to cut up the field more frequently and stop trying to out-flank everyone. Costs him his speed. Can't run horizontally in the NFL.

Scott in Orlando
8-29-2015, 11:37 am
Mr. Coolong, thank you for the response, sir. Have a great day and safe travels.

TheGreatOne21
8-29-2015, 10:40 am
Neal, why is Bryant out?

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bpn8pitt
8-29-2015, 11:38 am
I would guess its to get his replacements the 1st team snaps, Alex.

Bubba Banjo
8-29-2015, 2:49 pm
He should sit. Give every other receiver every chance to take his job. Push him down the bench for men who are here to play Football and not be extras in a Cheech and Chong movie. There are a lot of serious athletes that want that roster spot. Bryant can be a mid season replacement for injury if he can stay off the pipe. What a moron.

DaddyKingslayer
8-29-2015, 1:18 pm
I've been wanting to see DHB since the HOF game. Now I get to. There hasn't been much said about him, except that he had a good camp.

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Bubba Banjo
8-29-2015, 2:44 pm
NO ONE GET HURT! NO ONE JOIN THE DOOBIE BROTHERS! Stop it.

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