Research: Skylar Thompson’s Large Steelers Debut

There have been many high quality issues that transpired for the Pittsburgh Steelers of their preseason opener. This consists of quarterback Skylar Thompson, who placed on a powerful displaying. A side that was refreshing to see was his deep passing of 20-plus yards.

Here’s a visible of QB rankings and Professional Soccer Focus passing grades on deep passes by the preseason to this point:

As you’ll be able to see, Thompson lands with the cream of the crop. He was one in every of solely a handful of quarterbacks to publish an ideal 158.3 deep QB ranking, out of practically 100 quarterbacks who’ve performed this preseason. Very spectacular.

On prime of this, he tied for probably the most deep makes an attempt of that group, and three of these 5 quarterbacks solely have one deep try to date. So, Thompson has offered uncommon worth throughout the league as a deep passer out of the gates.

Additionally, Thompson was given a 92.6 deep-pass grade, rating third amongst his friends. Inside this have been a few big-time throws. One in every of his three TD passes (the one QB with that bragging proper) was his 26 yarder to WR Ke’Shawn Williams, placing it up for him to make a powerful contested catch ultimately zone.

My favourite throw was simply earlier than halftime, the place Thompson threaded the needle between two defenders to the versatile Max Hurleman. That 26-yard acquire put the Steelers contained in the 5-yard line, establishing their landing on the next play.

Earlier on the drive, he linked with WR Scotty Miller for an explosive 22-yard acquire, studying the zone protection and doing a pleasant job discovering the delicate spot in it for the chunk play. The timing and execution Thompson displayed deserve props, and is nice to see from a depth participant on the place in his first alternative of 2025.

Little doubt, the offense had a pleasant displaying in Jacksonville. Yeah, yeah, I do know it’s preseason. However seeing Arthur Smith and the passing offense jelling is actually higher than the choice. Lets hope Thompson, and the remainder of the group could make extra noise shifting ahead.