These Steelers are blowing past expectations and nobody saw it coming
Since the Pittsburgh Steelers are at their bye week, it's hard not to reflect on what we've witnessed thus far. This season has been marked by highs and lows, as the team has struggled to maintain consistency. Their roster has seen some players struggle during the first four games, while others have done terrifically.
Some who had little expectations entering the campaign are off to a roaring start.
Pittsburgh has shown its defense can be effective when it causes turnovers, while the offense has been relying on Aaron Rodgers to help the offense. Some players who didn't hold high hopes entering the season on both sides of the ball have come alive. One reason or another, not much publicity surrounded them this season, but at the bye week, they have done well.
Pittsburgh Steelers might need more of Austin, Herbig, and Warren the rest of the season
Calvin Austin III, WR
The search for the eventual receiver upgrade remains in the mix, but Calvin Austin III has shut down that speculation on several occasions this season. He failed to participate in most of the preseason process due to a lingering injury. His ability to stay healthy has always been one of his biggest issues. He has played at a solid pace through four games, but he did suffer another injury.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Austin suffered an injury in Week 4 that could keep him out of the lineup for a while. No matter how the rest of the campaign goes, Austin has shown that he belongs as a consistent contributor on offense. He isn't perfect, but he has done enough to make General Manager Omar Khan less desperate to add a playmaker via trade.
Nick Herbig, EDGE
Expectations weren't low for Nick Herbig, but no one thought he would do what he has done going into the bye week. The edge rusher has been third on the depth chart behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith for a while, but he should garner starting attention soon. He has been dominant with his pass rushing, which has led to several turnovers.
It has brought into question Highsmith's future.
Herbig has struggled to defend against the run at times, but it's hard to look past his pass-rushing prowess. Highsmith is almost the opposite of what Herbig brings, and the Steelers won't be able to pay their top three edge rushers. The odds of offloading Highsmith at the start of the season seemed ridiculous, but at Herbig's current rate, maybe Pittsburgh could consider it.
Jaylen Warren, RB
Everyone knew Jaylen Warren would be the top running back for Pittsburgh going into the season. No one knew how much of a difference maker he would become. He has been the sole source of the Steelers' rushing attack on several occasions. He has also been a solid option to catch passes out of the backfield. It has allowed a safety outlet for Rodgers to throw to in a pinch.
Warren was expected to be replaced by Kaleb Johnson at some point as the starter, but that doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon. Unfortunately, Warren missed the Week 4 contest due to an injury, but he should return after the bye week. He is a terrific piece for the Steelers offense to utilize. Missing him for any extent of time would drastically hurt their offense.
Ben Rice benched as Yankees gamble with lineup in crucial AL Wild Card opener against fierce rivals
Yankees Roll the Dice by Benching Ben Rice in AL Wild Card Opener
The New York Yankees are taking a bold step as they prepare to face their fierce rivals in the opening game of the American League Wild Card series. Manager Aaron Boone has made the controversial decision to bench slugger Ben Rice, a move that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
The Decision to Bench Rice
In a high-stakes game where every decision counts, Boone’s choice to sideline Rice could prove costly. Known for his power at the plate, Rice has been a key player for the Yankees, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts throughout the season. His absence in the lineup could limit the Yankees’ ability to generate runs against a tough opponent.
Boone’s reasoning behind this decision remains to be seen. Perhaps he sees strategic advantages in the matchup that prompted him to go in a different direction. However, the risk of sitting a player with Rice’s capabilities in a win-or-go-home situation is not one to be taken lightly.
Potential Impact on the Lineup
By benching Rice, the Yankees are likely altering the dynamic of their batting order. The absence of a powerful hitter can shift the entire approach at the plate. It forces other players to step up and fill the void, which can be both an opportunity and a pressure cooker, especially in the playoffs.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the rest of the lineup adapts. Will other players rise to the occasion, or will the Yankees find themselves wishing they had Rice’s bat in the lineup as the game progresses?
The Stakes of the Wild Card Series
The AL Wild Card series is always a critical juncture in the baseball season, and the Yankees are well aware of what’s at stake. Facing rivals in a do-or-die scenario adds an extra layer of intensity. Decisions made now can echo throughout the postseason. For a team with championship aspirations, maximizing every opportunity is paramount.
As the Yankees gear up for this pivotal contest, the decision to bench Ben Rice will be scrutinized. The outcome of the game could very well determine whether Boone’s gamble pays off or if it becomes a misstep that the team will regret. With the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on the Bronx as the Yankees take the field in a showdown that could define their season
