Welcome again to your weekly Pittsburgh Steelers mailbag. As all the time, we’re right here for the following hour to reply no matter is in your thoughts.
To your questions!
Brian Tollini: Hey AK-
Russ appears to have a really distinct cadence and appeared to (try and) draw the protection offsides quite a few instances with a tough rely in Sunday evening’s sport. Together with that, I don’t recall there being any process penalties-which has been a constant situation this 12 months. Do you are feeling Wilson is the principle purpose for the advance?
Alex: He does. It was the literal very first thing I took observe of as soon as he hopped into 11-on-11 throughout coaching camp. You didn’t must look as much as know which QB was taking the rep. You can simply hear it. And that utilized to Sunday’s sport.
They have been clear. And much more from a penalty standpoint, a snap standpoint. Fourth-string middle in his first begin in three years with a quarterback in his first begin in 10 months. Given all of the snap points this 12 months, that was a constructive improvement. It’s only one sport however yeah, Wilson appeared to be serving to all these areas. You’re going to get extra pre-snap errors on the highway the place the gang is loud so we’re going to must hold watching all through the season.
Michael Harms:
Alex,
What’s the plan with Cole Holcomb this 12 months and transferring ahead. Roberts is on the final 12 months of his deal, Holcomb is owed 7.6 million subsequent 12 months if on the roster… With Wilson wanting stable what’s the brief time period and long run plan with him?
Alex: That call will get made fairly early subsequent offseason. He’s acquired a $2 million roster bonus due. Don’t know the precise date however these are often due in early March. Onerous to see them choose that up with Queen and Wilson and probably Roberts coming again. Holcomb’s in all probability not going to be a part of the crew subsequent summer time.
Peter Petersen:
Hey Alex,
any new data on Fautanu? Heard conflicting tales. Steelers’ appeared to have dominated him out for the season however by Dr. Friedlander’s article it looks like his harm would enable a return manner earlier than the top of the season..
Alex: No updates. Report was out for the common season however may come again by the playoffs. However even when he will get cleared, attempting to get into the lineup after a lot missed time for the playoffs, I dunno. They like him, Jones has been struggling, however that’s a giant ask. We’ll simply hope Pittsburgh will get to the postseason for Fautanu to probably develop into a related dialogue.
J Alexander Wright: One thing that has been misplaced within the shuffle of the season to this point is the upcoming Onerous Knocks function. What crew storylines do you see them specializing in proper now?
Alex: For positive, that’s developing quick. It’s in all probability going to be loads of quarterback speak. That and Tomlin. After which in all probability some B-story every week about some lesser-known participant. Most likely one thing on Danny Smith as a result of he’s a superb quote and good for the digital camera. However numerous Wilson and Fields, I’m betting.
Jefferson_St_Joe: Would you advocate that they store for offensive line depth?
Alex: They will strive however they’ll be greeted by some empty cabinets. Not numerous groups freely giving o-line expertise. Most groups lack depth and those who do aren’t attempting handy it off. Frazier will in all probability be again after the bye and Dylan Cook dinner could possibly be activated this weekend. Not changing everybody however they’ve sufficient expertise starters and depth that I don’t see a purpose to exit and make a transfer. Solely focus needs to be on including a WR.
