The Steelers could not string much of an offensive attack together as they fell to the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 14-3 last Sunday in the NFL’s annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH. The game, although not very exciting, turned out a nice crowd for the first football game of the sport’s fiscal year. It was like any other preseason game; both teams played their back ups for a majority of the game to avoid injury risks (the Steelers some how failed at this). There were a number winners and losers from Fawcett Stadium as the Steelers brought some pleasant surprises and some head scratchers.

Winner: RB Dri Archer

Archer put on one of the better performances in Sunday’s match has he demonstrated his speed and agility. He had one impressive play that was worth noting. On a third down and fourteen, Archer was handed the ball on a draw play where he used his quick feet to make the Viking defenders look silly and extend the drive with a first down. I know he has the moves, but he showed me true running back vision and awareness that he seemed to lack in last season. The second year pro finished with 57 yards on 10 touches. A question heading into the season was how are the Steelers going to get Archer the football? Simple. Hand-offs and screen passes. The kid needs open space and he can flourish. I still disagree with the pick from a year ago because it was a reach and luxury pick for offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Archer has the football ability, but what was the point when he is too small to be a rotational back and too short to be a full time receiver, especially with the depth that the Steelers have at both positions. But, I digress. Archer is showing improvement, which is what I like. I know it is one game, but he might be needed in the return game and be called on frequently with star back Le’Veon Bell suspended for two games.

Loser: K Shaun Suisham and the Special Teams Unit

This is the exact reason why starters should not play extended minutes in preseason games. For those who are unaware, Suisham tore his ACL attempting to make a tackle on a kick off. I appreciate the effort, but it is a preseason game for crying out loud. Suisham found a revelation in Pittsburgh after being cast off by the so many teams including the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys. He connected on 29 of 32 field goal attempts and nailed the game-winner in the season opener against the Browns last season. He was going to be very important in this upcoming season, especially with the new PAT rules (See previous article on PAT rule modifications). His injury will only encourage head coach Mike Tomlin to want to go for two. It will not impact a playoff run, but it could impact a game or two and I do not trust Garrett Hartley… Yet.

Loser: QB Landry Jones

When you play 100% of the snaps and only manage to lead the offense to a measly three points, a player has to be considered a loser from that kind of outing. Jones has not made progress as a quarterback with three full seasons in Pittsburgh. I label him as a bust and a waste of a fifth round pick. The Steelers did not need a quarterback when Ben was barely 30-years-old at the time. According to some sources following Steeler training camp, reports said that Jones was making progress with back up QB Bruce Gradkowski nursing an injury (out 4-6 games). Jones showed me little to nothing on Sunday night as he only completed 49% of his 32 pass attempts for 128 yards against Minnesota’s first, second and third string defenses. Granted, it is not entirely his fault, rookie tight end Jesse James dropped a touchdown pass. But, Jones should be on the hot seat throughout the preseason, especially after his recent mediocre performance.

Loser: TE Jesse James

Speaking of which, James is also a major loser in this one. Two crucial drops puts him on the list no doubt. One was a dropped touchdown, while the other was ruled a fumble and a turnover. The Penn State alum posted a very poor start to his career as he finished with one catch for two yards on four targets. There is a possibility that he could not make the 53-man roster if he continues to play like this.

Winner: LB Ryan Shazier

After introducing three consecutive losers, it is time to be positive again and identify a winner: Ryan Shazier. Shazier’s talent was on display as the middle linebacker racked up a team-high five tackles and was all over the field in the first quarter. He is injecting the speed that this defense desperately needed. This was allow fellow linebacker Lawrence Timmons to more opportunities to rush and rest on the sidelines as Shazier will likely emerge as a three down backer, pending health of course.

Winner: CB Kevin Fogg

Fogg intercepted a pass from Vikings’ quarterback Taylor Heinicke in the Hall of Fame Game, boosting his odds at making the final roster. This is mostly good news for him as his ceiling, right now, was to be a frequent special teamer and the fifth or sixth cornerback in the rotation. The Steelers could use some more depth at the position, especially since 2015 second round pick Senquez Golson will most likely opt for season ending surgery on his shoulder. In my opinion, he could be the Antwon Blake of 2015 if he continues to improve like this.

Loser: LB Alvin “Bud” Dupree

Not really a surprise to me, but Dupree was extremely disappointing in his first sporting the Black & Gold. According to Pro Football Focus, the first round pick could not manage a single pressure in 17 rush attempts. This is bad, especially since he was drafted to be a pass rushing specialist. Like any Steelers rookie, he is a going to struggle in this complicated 3-4 defense, but I know he is up for the challenge. He has the raw, freakish and athletic ability, but Dupree needs to be coached to reach his full playing potential. On the bright side, he collected two tackles.

Loser: Jeff Reed

This is to shed some humor on the Steelers’ loss. Former Pittsburgh kicker Jeff Reed was in attendance, but was forced to leave midway through the game. He was escorted out by security after engaging in disorderly conduct with a fan, who was happening to wear Steeler attire. That makes sense, pick a fight with someone who supports the team you used to play for. This is why fans were more than happy when Reed was not resigned. He was a good laugh then, and he still is now as not much has changed for the retiree.

Winner: DC Keith Butler

New defensive coordinator Keith Butler is quiet, and I like this. He lets his coaching and player’s performance do the talking. A lot of speculation was made when Dick LeBeau did not return to Pittsburgh for another season. Butler became the expected candidate to assume the glorified position of Steelers’ defensive coordinator and was rightfully hired. Butler’s defense held the Vikings to 14 points, under 250 total yards and 14 first downs. Technically the defense allowed 14 points, but the Vikings started their drive from the Steelers’ one-yard-line after a nice punt return by rookie and DMV native Stefon Diggs. The Vikings offense is something to be respected too as they have emergence of sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the return of stud running back Adrian Peterson and a number of passing targets including tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receivers Mike Wallace and Jarius Wright. Butler did a fine job in his inaugural game as Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator and he’ll help fans believe in his beginning legacy just like LeBeau’s.

– Zach S.