The Pittsburgh Steelers open training camp tomorrow on July 26th in Latrobe. The Steelers are expected to have a quarterback battle to determine the successor to future first ballot Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger. Even though it seems to start with Mitch Trubisky, the team's QB competition is expected to be wide to give rookie Kenny Pickett and veteran incumbent Mason Rudolph a shot as well.
Another important position battle is expected to take place between two starters on the offensive line from a season ago.
Steelers.com
Steelers guard Kevin Dotson said he was expecting what happened today at the first day of OTAs to happen — a competition with Kendrick Green for the starting left guard spot.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 24, 2022
In a recent article published by ESPN, reporter Brooke Pryor details a training camp preview for the Steelers as they inch a day closer to the start of training camp.
"The quarterbacks will be engaged in the most important position battle, but it’s not necessarily the most compelling," Pryor stated in her article. "Mitch Trubisky appears to have a significant advantage over Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph, and barring an upset, he’ll likely be the starting quarterback in Week 1.Instead, keep an eye on the battle for left guard. After his move to center didn’t pan out, second-year lineman Kendrick Green battled with third-year guard Kevin Dotson at left guard throughout OTA's and minicamp. Green primarily played guard at Illinois, and former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger advocated for Green to move to guard after the season. Dotson started nine games last season but dealt with nagging ankle injuries.
The competition between the two won’t be the flashiest, but after another season of dismal offensive line play and another new offensive line coach in Pat Meyer, the success of the revamped offensive line will be a significant factor in the Steelers direction this season."
In order for the Steelers offense to be successful in the upcoming season, one thing is absolutely sure. The offensive line has to have a better showing than they did a year ago. The offensive line play a season ago was just abysmal. It seems the offense is going to run through RB Najee Harris, but in order for that to happen, it all starts upfront.
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Kendrick Green #53 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action on against the Chicago Bears on November 8, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The team seems to have taken Roethlisberger's advice and moved Green back to his natural position at guard. Dotson in his rookie campaign in the 2020 season, appeared to be a certified people mover, which is what the Steelers need for Harris to continue his break into stardom. With Dotson having a down year a season ago, dealing with injuries that Pryor listed above, opens the door for Green to have a real chance to take over the starting role. The battle seems to get even more compelling because Dotson seems to be healed up and ready to compete.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (#69) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Colts 28-24. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
“I feel great,” Dotson said in an interview during Organized Team Activities (OTA's). “I’m confident in my ankles, confident in being on the left side, confident in learning the playbook,” he said. “Everything is coming together for me.”
What are yinz thoughts on Pryor listing the battle at left guard as the Steelers' most compelling camp battle to watch? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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