Green Bay at Steelers (2015 Preseason Game 2): Halftime Updates

Here are some observations, as of halftime, for the second 2015 preseason game against the Green Bay Packers:

The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Green Bay Packers for the second game of the 2015 NFL Preseason

First Team Defense

First team defense got off to a slow start, as Aaron Rodgers and company marched down the field for an easy TD.  Eddie Lacy walked into the end zone untouched.  Then, the same defense gave up a walk-in 2-point conversion.  The kinks need to be ironed out in our defense soon, especially against the run.  The four-man front (4-3) allowed holes big enough to allow a jumbo jet to take off in.

Shamarko Thomas

Shark has poor first step… Has since made up for it.  He's had a nice game, including a sack.  Despite big plays up around the line of scrimmage, he appears to lack the desire to get deep in coverage, and is often playing catch-up (no play on the "Big Heinz Bottle" here).

Dri Archer

Nice return from Dri.  Needs to work on balance.  He also tried to do too much on the kick-off return following the sack/safety.

James Harrison a.k.a. Deebo

Another preseason sack by Deebo with a little help from the first-rounder Bud Dupree and miracle boy Sean Spence for sack/safety of Aaron Rodgers.

Jarvis Jones

Jarvis Jones bull rushed, shed the block, then beat the tackle inside for a sack… still looked slow, lethargic, and out of place.  It was almost as if he was scared to hit the quarterback.  It could be training camp-itis, however, as hitting the QB in camp is an ultimate no-no.  There appeared to be a hesitation, there, before realizing the quarterback was not wearing a defensive-colored jersey.  This, despite the news that JJ was responsible for Big Ben missing a few plays in practice earlier in the week due to getting a hand in the big quarterback's face.

Markus Wheaton

Markus Wheaton looks poised and focused.  Third drive by Steelers results in TD to Wheaton.  He is making catches that are no gimmes.  Ben gave us a heads-up about number 11, however, a few weeks ago in camp.  So far, Ben is spot on.

Bud Dupree

While Bud Dupree is getting more pressure on the passer, he is still losing serious contain on runs to his side.  He also got man-handled on a Green Bay two-point conversion, being pushed by a backup offensive linemen deep into the endzone.

Antwon Blake

Antwon Blake got picked apart in the first half.
 

Injuries

Pouncey with left ankle injury of some sort.  Stephon Tuitt carted off, as well.  It looks like Bruce Gradkowski has a finger injury of some type, which means we will get an overdose of Landry Jones.