Week 2 Steelers Film Notes

A bunch of my tape and team-building observations on the Steelers after their Week 2 victory over the Broncos.

Week 2

The Steelers are (2-0), and rank 13th in EPA/play, 9th in EPA/pass and 13th in EPA/rush on offense. Defensively, they rank 2nd in EPA/play, 1st in EPA/pass and 3rd in EPA/rush. ESPN's Football Power Index gives them a 59.4% chance to make the playoffs.

OT Troy Fautanu

• Movement skills, size, athleticism all look outstanding. So explosive out of his stance and balanced in his pass set. Smooth feet. Can run guys up the arc when they go wide on him. All the tools to protect the corner, which is critical.

• Has to get better with his strike timing and placement. Hands get wide and allows rushers into his chest, which is easily the biggest issue right now. I really want to see more snatch and traps and hand parrying to keep rushers off balance. Make them go to a counter from an off balance position. But usually hands can be fixed, it’s the feet that are harder. Hopeful first start in pass protection.

• He’ll face better competition as a run blocker, but his leverage and strength were evident even in start #1. Moved Jordan Jackson around a couple of times. Comes off the ball with intent, good job latching and sealing on a few zone runs inside of him. Didn’t have to make a lot of really tough blocks in this one. Gotta temper his aggressiveness in space down and take better angles at second level.

Justin Fields