Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 things to watch for in preseason opener

I’m not a real big fan of analyzing a lot of what occurs in preseason football games, as quite frankly not a whole lot matters.

However as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to open up their 2013 preseason schedule Saturday night at Heinz Field against the New York Giants; I think there is a bit more to pay attention to, at least more than a usual preseason opener.

Jun 11, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson (left) instructs as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (right) listens during minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Individual statistics are all but worthless when trying to see what improvements a team like the Steelers made from a season ago, but there are some trends worth following as certain trends could go a long way in determining what type of year the Steelers will have.

With that being said, here’s a look at five things worth paying attention to Saturday night as the Steelers and Giants kick things off.

1. More Deep Passes

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won’t play a lot, but it will be interesting to see if the Steelers take many shots down the field, whether it is with Roethlisberger or one of his backups.

One of the changes we keep hearing about in the second year of Todd Haley’s offense is that there will be more deep passes, something that should play to Roethlisberger’s strengths. The deep ball was missing from the Steelers’ offense a season ago and is something that must re-emerge this season.

That doesn’t mean the short passing game will be gone and it will be interesting to see what type of timing the Steelers have in their passing game given the fact that have a whole cast of new weapons.

2. Zone Blocking Scheme

A lot of focus will be placed on rookie running back Le’Veon Bell, but more focus should be placed on the change in systems.

Every running back is going to get their share of carries Saturday night, but it’s more important that not only the running backs look comfortable in the new system, but also the offensive line.

The Steelers are integrating the outside zone-blocking scheme into their offense this year, and it has been a focus under new offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr.

There’s likely to be a lot of mistakes early on, but the Steelers have to be much better than the 26th best team in the league on the ground this year and it would be nice to see if they have made some initial improvements.

3. Pass Rush

One thing that was absent from the 2012 team was the pass rush and it has to show back up this season.

Drafting Jarvis Jones, who has looked great so far, in the first round should help in that regard, but the whole team must do a better job of getting to the opposing quarterback.

Jones will have an impact, but so should LaMarr Woodley, who appears to be in great shape this season.

It all comes down to winning individual matchups, something the Steelers haven’t done well in two years. The likes of Woodley, Jones, Jason Worilds and others must get to the quarterback more often in 2013.

It will be interesting to see if they start doing so tonight.