By Mark Madden
August 13, 2017
(Photo: AP)
Four exhibition games per NFL team are way too many. But you can never get enough refreshing sports notes. Easy to write, fun to read!
*Rookie outside linebacker T.J. Watt not only looked good in posting two sacks Friday, but lined up on the left side as well as his preferred right. Developing such versatility might enable Watt to get more snaps this year, what with James Harrison blocking him at right outside linebacker.
*The Steelers reportedly plan to give Watt lots of snaps early in the season, conserving Harrison for the stretch drive and playoffs. That’s exactly opposite of what’s logical, but don’t underestimate the power of fear and cronyism.
*Cornerback Mike Hilton had a team-best seven tackles to go along with an interception and fumble recovery Friday. Hilton went undrafted out of Ole Miss last year, but should still have the Steelers’ attention. If the Steelers don’t improve at corner, their defense won’t improve. Any alternative to the rapidly fading Willie Gay at nickel should be considered, and it would be good if a younger corner pushed starter Ross Cockrell down the depth chart.
*Rookie quarterback Joshua Dobbs started dreadfully Friday, then regrouped to play decent. That’s limited praise, indeed. But it matters little, because Dobbs won’t replace Ben Roethlisberger when Roethlisberger retires. If he (or Landry Jones) does, expect a couple 5-11 seasons until the next franchise QB is procured. No, the Steelers won’t sign Kirk Cousins.
*The Steelers love the football IQ and anticipation of second-year inside ‘backer Tyler Matakevich. But will that translate to him overachieving despite lacking more tangible gifts? It had better. Matakevich is just an injury away from starting, and Ryan Shazier is often hurt, to put it mildly.
*It’s logical to be wary because the Steelers lack depth at inside linebacker and in the defensive backfield. But in a 32-team league that uses a salary cap, every team has holes. It’s about improving at those positions. Play around those problems if you don’t. Above all, stay healthy.
*Memo to those who still insist on writing or talking about the Steelers of the ‘70s: Don’t. I’m begging you. Everybody not dead should be sick of that.
*If there is a groundswell among NFL players to protest the national anthem by sitting or kneeling like Colin Kaepernick did before finding himself unemployed, Oakland running back Marshawn Lynch is the perfect leader: Too good to get cut, and couldn’t care less what people think.
*It’s good to see Gibsonia native Neil Walker go to contending Milwaukee. It’s sad to see him bounce around MLB. The Pirates should have signed Walker long-term in 2015 instead of trading him to the New York Mets. It would have been a statement of intent. Just like trading Walker was.
*Protectors of owner Bob Nutting’s wallet bleat, “You can’t pay Walker that kind of money!” News flash: The Pirates won’t ever pay anybody that kind of money. Cue the departure of Andrew McCutchen. Will Washington again be interested if Bryce Harper is sidelined for a lengthy period?
*Cleveland outfielder Michael Brantley got hurt, so the Indians acquired Jay Bruce (29 home runs) from the Mets. Had the power-starved Pirates got Bruce when Starling Marte was suspended or when Polanco was injured on July 21, they might lead the NL Central. Bruce's left-handed power would be perfect for PNC Park. Organizations that prioritize winning solve problems. The Pirates just give John Jaso more at-bats.
*If the Pirates had Bruce, having too many perceived starting outfielders when all were healthy would be an easy problem to solve: Bench Marte or Polanco. Both have disappointed this year. Between injuries and underachieving, Polanco seems a bust. He should have lips tattooed on his neck.
*If the Pirates win the division, credit goes to the players and no one else. The Pirates’ unlikely contention is about their grit and opportunism. It’s also despite ownership’s frugality and Clint Hurdle’s lapsing managerial acumen.
*U.S. Olympic men’s hockey coach Tony Granato wants to make Matt Cullen captain of his team if Cullen, 40, opts to not play in the NHL. That sounds like a nice exclamation point for Cullen’s career, and would be a shorter commitment. But if Cullen elects to keep playing, he should do it for an NHL paycheck, not star-spangled participation in a second-rate tournament.
Mark Madden hosts a sports talk show 3-6 p.m. weekdays on WXDX-FM (105.9).
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