PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Two games through the preseason and the Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves as one of the most interesting teams in the NFL.

No one saw almost half of what is going on with the Steelers happening. It’s Pittsburgh, they keep it simple and outside of last season’s Joe Haden signing, don’t hold many surprises.

This comes with the roster as well. Most times, people can predict the 53 men wearing a jersey in Week 1 before the preseason even starts. All summer long, we expected to know just that. Maybe outside of one or two position battles.

That’s not changing. This team is looking, different. While they are impressing in a number of ways, they’ve revealed areas of weakness. Major weakness. But they’ve also found players who are making a case to keep them around.

With a Super Bowl in sight, this team isn’t taking anyone who doesn’t deserve their shot. Right now, that’s not the 53 men who people expected. Which is exciting, but also leaves you wondering – who’s in and who’s out? Well, half way through the team’s exhibition campaign, the Steelers have left us with some observation, and a new set of players who are looking to make this team.

WHO’S IN

DANIEL MCCULLERS

Daniel McCullers is on his last shot in Pittsburgh but man oh man is he making the most of it. The big man in the middle is proving to be one of the strong points to this defense. Playing behind Javon Hargrave, McCullers is earning his roster spot, and making enough noise to add more reps to his regular season.

He needs to earn every penny of whatever contract he receives after this season. If that’s in Pittsburgh or another NFL team, there’s no guarantee he’s making much. So, he’s taking it into his hands to make the Steelers roster and earn his money. Which is fine, because he’s dominating offensive lines on his way.

MATTHEW THOMAS

Somehow the undrafted rookie out of Florida State is the best inside linebacker outside of Vince Williams. Tyler Matakevich and Jon Bostic have been less than impressive this preseason, leaving worry as to who’s earning the starting job.

Well, right now, it should be Thomas and L.J. Fort fighting for the gig. They’ve played the best, and have missed the fewest tackles. Even if they’re the most inexperienced, they’re easily the most reliable. One of them is going to make this team, and right now, it’s Thomas.

COTY SENSABAUGH

Coty Sensabaugh is fighting with five safeties to see who should make the roster. Right now, he needs to beat out Nat Behre, Jordan Dangerfield, Malik Golden and Marcus Allen to earn the final secondary spot on this team.

Through two preseason games, he’s proven to be the one worthy of the placement. He’s come up with big plays in two games and is being looked at as a veteran leader to the second-team. If he continues to play like this, he’s going to find himself on the roster. No matter who he needs to beat out.

WHO’S OUT

JORDAN BERRY

Sorry, Jordan, but it’s time for you to go. Berry has not been a reliable punter for two years now and his efforts against the Packers was the final straw. Mike Tomlin needs to find himself a new punter by the end of the preseason otherwise; he’s going to be stuck with Berry’s 35-yard kicks.

He’s been given more than his fair share of chances. This is the NFL, punters don’t get more than one chance and Berry has had two and a half. Sorry, but it’s now time to find someone new before it begins to cost the Steelers games.

JUSTIN HUNTER

Justin Hunter is a training camp sensation but can never seem to prove himself once a game starts. He’s probably talented enough to make plays in this league, but after years of missed potential, he needs to prove he’s worth a roster spot.

Right now, he hasn’t done so and that’s leaving him as the odd man out when the team makes cuts. He had a strong possibility of making the team this season, but now, he’s almost certain to be a practice squad guy for the second year in Pittsburgh.

MARCUS ALLEN

Marcus Allen is seemingly nowhere to be found this preseason. Strong potential or not, he isn’t earning a roster spot by sitting on the sidelines. Not playing a single down against the Packers is concerning, and could be a sign that the start of his career will be on the practice squad.

He was a late-round steal, yes. But in the NFL, and on a team with guys like Terrell Edmunds, Jordan Dangerfield, Nat Behre and Malik Golden playing backup to Sean Davis and Morgan Burnett, Allen needs to prove himself. So far, he hasn’t done so and it could lead to a missed opportunity to make this roster.