Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Standouts vs. Panthers in Preseason Week 4
By Samuel Teets
Johnny Holton, WR
Johnny Holton has quietly been contributing all preseason long, but he’s been overshadowed by players like James Washington. On Thursday night though, it was finally Holton’s time to shine. Holton, who spent the majority of the previous three seasons with the Oakland Raiders, made three receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown.
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With under two minutes left in the second quarter, Rudolph heaved a 44-yard pass to Holton, who beat three defenders to get wide open. Unfortunately, the ball was underthrown and Holton had to steer back towards the defensive backs to catch it. Had the ball been out in from of him, there was nobody between Holton and the end zone.
With under 20 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Rudolph connecting with Holton on a 31-yard touchdown pass. Again, Holton beat the cornerback covering him and the safety was too slow to rotate and help over the top. The score gave Pittsburgh a 16-10 lead going into halftime.
This preseason, Holton has seven receptions, 167 yards, and a touchdown. Unfortunately, the young wide receiver is fighting an uphill battle. The Steelers already have a plethora of receivers who are guaranteed to make the roster. Even with his great preseason run, Holton may be on the outside looking in when the regular season starts.