Preseason Game Two: What to Watch For

It’s game two of the preseason, and the Steelers will take their show on the road to the Meadowlands to play the Giants, who beat the Jets in their preseason opener.

The Steelers won’t have to deal with Eli Manning, who is out for the Giants, and they should have Ben Roethlisberger under center, who didn’t play last week. Here are some things to look for this week as the Steelers look to go to 2-0 in the preseason.

1. When will Ben play?

Last week Mike Tomlin and company decided not to play their franchise QB, but it’s already been said he will see time under center this week for the black and gold. The question will be – when will we see him. Tomlin said he’s not sure when Ben will play, but based on the fact he’s been with the #1’s all week, it would be a surprise to not see him start.

2. Will Flozell Redeem Himself?

Last week the Steelers newest OL was beaten badly a couple of times, and while he’s still getting use to play at RT, it was a bad night against the Lions for the former Pro Bowler. The team doesn’t seem concerned, but you know it had to eat at Adams all week to see him get beat up. We’ll see if he can get back on track and look better this week.

3. Can Dixon and Redman Stay Hot?

Both QB Dennis Dixon and RB Issac Redman had big games Saturday vs the Lions, some thinking that Dixon earned himself the starting role while Ben is sat the first four weeks of the 2010 season. I don’t think he’s quite there yet, but his stock is rising. Same with Redman, who showed again why the coaches need to keep him on the active roster this season. This will be a good test for both to see if they can keep playing well two straight weeks.

4. The Debut of Jason Worilds

The Steelers second round pick will finally get a shot Saturday to show what the hoopla is all about. The LB didn’t play in game one due to a hammy injury, but reports say he’ll get plenty of playing time vs the Giants. The team is counting on him to be the 3rd OLB, but can’t just hand him that role till they see what he can do, and that process starts vs New York.

5. Kick Returns

The team wants to see what rookie WR Antonio Brown can do this week handling kickoff and punt returns, which should be interesting seeing how he steps up after last weeks outing in which he caught a 68-yard TD vs the Lions in the 4th quarter. The team wants to see the kick return game improve, and Brown’s night vs the Giants could give the team a better perspective on the position.

Follow  Matt Loede on twitter.com @mattnflgg.