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The Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 3-0 in the preseason on Sunday after defeating the Tennessee Titans by a score of 18-6 in what was sort of a dress rehearsal, as many of the Steelers starters played.
Of course, the main guys weren't in all game long, so the final result of the contest doesn't mean all that much. It's mainly about progress and what appears to be the primary story (or stories) entering the regular season.
So, here are the three biggest reactions from Pittsburgh's third exhibition contest:
3. Jaylen Samuels Seems to Have the No. 2 Running Back Job
When the Steelers drafted Benny Snell Jr. in the fourth round back in May, there were some who felt that he would actually be James Conner's primary backup in the backfield, but it's looking like that will not be the case.
Snell did not play in the Steelers' win over the Titans due to a groin issue, and when he has been on the field this preseason, he has not been all that impressive.
As a result, Jaylen Samuels seems to be separating himself in the race for the No. 2 back role.
Samuels carried the ball four times for 16 yards on Sunday, and in the previous contest against the Kansas City Chiefs, he totaled 26 yards and a touchdown off of four attempts.
Snell may still have a bright future ahead of him, but as of right now, Samuels seems to be the guy.
2. James Washington has a Real Shot of Winning the No. 2 Receiver Job
Going into training camp, veteran wide receiver Donte Moncrief seemed to have the inside track to winning the No. 2 receiver job behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, with second-year wideout James Washington on the outside looking in.
But Washington's preseason may give Mike Tomlin a tough decision to make heading into Week 1 of the regular season.
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Washington logged his second touchdown of the preseason Sunday with his lone catch of the game, posting a 41-yard score. Overall this preseason, he has caught nine passes for 203 yards and those two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Moncrief has logged just three catches for 12 yards.
To be fair, Moncrief had a broken finger earlier in camp, and because he is a veteran, he has the benefit of seniority, but it's hard to ignore the job Washington has done this summer.
1. The Steelers Seem to be Ready to Retake their Throne
Yes, it's just preseason, and I know in the grand scheme of things, these games mean virtually nothing, but this is a Steelers club going into 2019 with a massive chip on its shoulder.
After missing the playoffs last season and losing Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell this offseason, many have written Pittsburgh off in an AFC North division that now has a shiny new toy in the Cleveland Browns.
But we shouldn't dismiss the Steelers so fast.
This is still Pittsburgh's division to lose, as the Steelers have the experience and are still pretty talented on both sides of the ball. It would not be the least bit surprising to see Pittsburgh win the division.
As a matter of fact, I expect the Steelers to do just that.
