Daily News & Links: Ex-Steelers Offensive Lineman Gets Released; Steelers Likely to Decline This Season?
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? Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman John Leglue was released by the Atlanta Falcons. Leglue, 28, played for the Steelers from 2020-2022. He started five games at left guard in 2021.
? Bill Barnwell of ESPN thinks the Steelers are likely to decline this season after posting a 10-7 record last season.
“Had the Steelers upgraded at quarterback this season, they would have had a stronger case for improving their underlying level of play. I’m not sure (Justin) Fields and (Russell) Wilson qualify,” Barnwell wrote.
“Pittsburgh traded Diontae Johnson and didn’t really replace him with a starting-caliber receiver,” Barnwell continued. “Their best case for improvement on offense is the arrival of coordinator Arthur Smith and the upgrades they’ve made on the offensive line, where they used two much-needed draft picks on Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier.”
Along with the Steelers, Barnwell also expects the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns to decline this season.
? Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports believes the Steelers have a major concern at quarterback.
“Russell Wilson had a strong finish to the preseason, if a two-throw series is considered strong,” Benjamin wrote. “He also struggled when protection was poor earlier in the exhibition slate and missed extensive practice time due to injury. Justin Fields may be more electric, but his consistent trouble fielding snaps during the preseason means ball security remains a fair concern. All in all, Pittsburgh has probably improved under center since the end of last season, but can anyone in Steel City feel the upgrade was a slam dunk?”
? The Dallas Cowboys and All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb agreed on a massive four-year extension worth $136 million, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Lamb gets $100 million guaranteed and a WR-record $38 million signing bonus in a deal done by Tory Dandy of CAA. He’s the second-highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
? Former Steelers offensive lineman Chuks Okorafor was flagged three times for illegal formation in Sunday night’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders, including this impressive completion by Drake Maye that went for a touchdown.
This touchdown was negated by (ANOTHER) penalty on Okorafor, but what. a. throw by Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/gPxLgkY0fT
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) August 26, 2024
? Steelers second-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig had a 92.6 pass rush grade on 21 pass-rushing snaps in the preseason, according to Pro Football Focus. He recorded 3.5 sacks, six pressures and had a 23.8% win rate.
Nick Herbig this preseason:
🟡 21 pass-rushing snaps
⚫ 92.6 pass rush grade
🟡 3.5 sacks
⚫ 6 pressures
🟡 23.8% win rate pic.twitter.com/OSOq0eEpvf— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) August 26, 2024
? The Pro Football Hall of Fame paid tribute to Donnie Shell on his 72nd birthday.
The Hall of Fame sends happy birthday wishes to @steelers Legend Donnie Shell! The Centennial Class of 2020 member turns 72 today. 🥳🎂 #HBD pic.twitter.com/Hb4rL2TAWd
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 26, 2024
? Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky thought the Steelers bamboozled people about the quarterback situation, even though that was never the case. Russell Wilson was in pole position to be the starter from Day 1.
“I would’ve started Justin Fields, but this was never a QB competition. We were bamboozled a little bit,” Orlovsky said.
“I would’ve started Justin Fields, but this was never a QB competition. We were bamboozled a little bit.”@danorlovsky7 on the QB battle in Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/FtGVRES1c0
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 26, 2024
? DLineVids on X broke down Nick Herbig’s cross chop/club move on his strip sack against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.
Nick Herbig with the cross chop/club strip sack.@nickherbig_ from a wide alignment takes a great rush angle, gains leverage off the inside foot & cross chops the OL’s low-setting hand. Herbig steps through & turns his shoulders as he clubs. Have a #passrush plan! #Steelers pic.twitter.com/pCrxMPxLCl
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) August 26, 2024
? The AFC North finished 1-11 in the preseason. The only win was a Baltimore Ravens victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
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