Steelers at Jaguars (2015 Preseason Game 1): Halftime Updates

Ben Roethlisberger warming up for a game. -- Courtesy
of Getty Images.

At the half, the Jaguars lead the Steelers 17-8, with Blake Bortles picking apart the mix-and-match Steelers defense.  Jacksonville has been the more physical team, thus far.

Good news: the Steelers come out of the half injury-free, as the meat and potatoes of the 1st team offense were removed after one series resulting in a Steelers touchdown and 2-point conversion.  Big Ben put together an 80-yard drive in 3:14 with a TD coming on the 6th play of the drive.  Tomlin opted to immediately line up for a two-point conversion.  The play was busted, but vintage Ben avoided pressure to find a barely open Markus Wheaton in the end zone to cap the drive with an additional two.

Needless to say, the first team offense looks potent.  The offensive line had their way with the Jacksonville front, while Le'Veon Bell ran around the field doing what he pleases, netting 9 yards per carry.  He also had one reception converting a second down and four on a screen pass outside.  Antonio Brown caught the first pass on the first play of the game, and appears to be speedier than ever, but may have been trying to do too much.  Without forward progress, his reception would have netted two yards.

With the first team offense looking silky-smooth, the first team defense looked fast and physical, opening their series with a three-and-out.  Shazier chased down an opening run after a gain of 8 yards.  William Gay followed that up with two nice plays himself, the first a tackle in the backfield, and the next a pass-defensed.

News worth reporting: The Steelers mix-and-match defense (defense consisting of some first teams players, some twos, and some threes) was not much to be desired.  Thirty-seven year-old James Harrison was the only bright spot on the defense after the first three-and-out, getting to Bortles for a Steelers sack during the second defensive series.  Mind you, Harrison's first practice in pads of the season was Tuesday of this week -- three days ago!  Harrison's sack after only two physical practices is great news for him.  However, it is very concerning news for the guy listed in front of him on the depth chart.  Jarvis Jones is having a poor showing, thus far, in his first preseason game activity for the 2015 season.  After sitting out of the 2015 Hall of Fame game six days prior with an injury, Jones return to the field in game uniform was not impressive.  The tackle was having his way with Jones, as he appears to be trying to bullrush (maybe) in a very upright position.  My next concern is whether or not he has any pass-rush moves, at all.  He also appears slow and his lack of pressure allowed for multiple deep target completions by Bortles.

Jones has been the focus of a lot of heat coming down on the Steelers coach and GM for their first round picks the past few seasons.  I have possibly been Jones biggest supporter as he has shown signs of being a playmaker in his first two seasons, during preseason and regular season play.  Early observations point to Jones being a speedy outside guy who has a knack for making plays around the ball.  After two years of NFL play under his belt, albeit most of that time riddled with injuries, one would think the game has slowed down for Jones, allowing him to be Polamalu-esk in running around the field making plays around the ball.  Now, this is just preseason game one, he has plenty time to display that his offseason strength training with one Deebo will reap benefits.  Right now, however, I'm concerned that the second-coming of James Harrison is playing faster, stronger, and more athletic than Jones.  We'll keep an eye on that!

There are a few other areas of concern to keep an eye on, but I'll wait until the postgame write-up to examine.  The first is the lack of improvement by Landry Jones.  I was expecting a better showing this time around from the young QB.  The second is the number of mistakes made by the secondary, who have been personally coached with hands-on instruction by Coach Tomlin, himself.  This is not the first time there has been a red flag raised for a possible lack of preparation by players Tomlin is responsible for.  With the offense potentially about to change the game, a championship run cannot be derailed by poorly prepared position groups... or the team during weaker opponents week... during the season.

Please share your thoughts.  What did you guys see in the 1st half?