Apart from dealing with a plethora of injuries early on, the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t ask for a better start to their season. A T.J. Watt-led defense dominated in the second half of Week 3 against the LA Chargers to help Mike Tomlin’s team advance to 3-0.
Still, there’s always room for improvement.
While the team had a strong performance collectively, there were several players who didn’t contribute to the cause in Week 3. These three Steelers could be in danger of losing their starting jobs if things don’t improve soon.
OG Spencer Anderson
You might not have noticed Spencer Anderson during the broadcast of the Steelers vs. Chargers game, but he stood out in a bad way when you throw the all-22 film on. Anderson had numerous missed assignments and particularly struggled as a run blocker.
After getting banged up in this contest, rookie Mason McCormick entered the game at left guard and things seemed to improve. Anderson hasn’t offered much in three games, and if Isaac Seumalo isn’t ready to return from his pectoral injury in Week 4, the Steelers could consider benching Anderson for McCormick as early as this Sunday against the Colts.
WR Van Jefferson
It was addition by subtraction for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the wide receiver position when Van Jefferson left the game with an injury after 11 snaps. In his first two games of the season, Jefferson offered almost nothing in the receiving game while struggling as a blocker.
Calvin Austin is never going to be a strong blocker at his size (5’7 3/4”, 170 pounds), but he offered a spark in the passing game — turning 5 targets into 95 yards and a touchdown. Austin’s signature play was a 55-yard catch and run in the second half.
With outstanding speed and ability after the catch, the Steelers should name Austin the WR2 until they see what they have in rookie Roman Wilson. Jefferson’s lack of play-making ability could have him falling out of favor quickly in Pittsburgh.
CB Donte Jackson
Donte Jackson’s starting job is safer than the other two players on this list. However, he’s coming off a forgettable game against the Chargers and proved to be one of the lone weak spots on an otherwise spectacular defense.
Jackson allowed three catches on 4 targets for 37 yards (a passer rating of 103.1) while missing a tackle in this contest. His unimpressive game in coverage against the Chargers resulted in a 44.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
We’re not worried about Jackson yet, and his biggest competition, Cory Trice, injured his hamstring early in Week 3. But if Jackson has a few more games like this, the Steelers could look someone they can trust opposite Joey Porter Jr. in the secondary.
