Category: 2024 preseason – Steelers vs Texans

Steelers LB Payton Wilson makes bold statement after rookie debut

Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson shined in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener vs. the Houston Texans.

In action typical of the first game in seven months, the Pittsburgh Steelers were rusty on both sides of the ball in the first game of the 2024 season.

Several highlights and standout players, including rookie linebacker Payton Wilson, came from Pittsburgh’s preseason loss to the Houston Texans.

Wilson finished his NFL debut as the leader in tackles with seven, including one for loss. In coverage, Wilson forced an incomplete pass of Texans’ John Metchie III.

“I’m more worried about the plays that I’ve missed, rather than the ones that I made,” Wilson told the media, via Sports Illustrated’s Bo Marchionete. “There’s always room to improve. My goal is to be the best in the world and there’s definitely a lot of room to get to that.”

Being the best in the world is certainly a bold statement, but something that every athlete strives for. Pittsburgh’s third-round pick has his entire pro career ahead of him to make that happen.

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Steelers QB Justin Fields shoulders blame in offensive struggles vs. Texans

As any good leader does, Justin Fields shouldered the blame in the Steelers’ offensive struggles against the Texans.

As any good leader does, Justin Fields shouldered the blame in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive struggles against the Houston Texans. He didn’t throw veteran lineman Nate Herbig under the bus, but he easily could have.

“I think the snapping part, we’ve just got to be on the same page,” Fields said after the game. “I will put that on me to just be on the same page and know who’s in at center, know how to adjust and what I need to do next in the game.”

Herbig, who started the game at center over second-round rookie Zach Frazier, and Fields had two fumbled exchanges in just three drives which is inexcusable, even in preseason.

“I think, overall, we ran the ball well, moved the ball well,” said Fields. “I think, just a summary of the game, we were just shooting ourselves in the foot, fumbled snaps, I think all three phases. We could definitely be better on that part.”

The Steelers’ offense came out solid with Fields starting the game a perfect five-for-five. “I feel like I was in a good rhythm… I think the overall rhythm of things, we were in and out of the huddle fast and felt good overall.”

Fields finished the night five-for-six with 67 yards passing. Unfortunately, Houston’s starting defense helped keep Pittsburgh from marching down the field to score.

The Steelers stay home for their second preseason game, welcoming the Buffalo Bills to Acrisure. While it’s undetermined who will start at quarterback, Mike Tomlin did say Friday night that Russell Wilson will play.

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Steelers backup running backs stand out vs Texans

There’s a real position battle brewing at running back after Friday night.

There wasn’t a whole lot to get excited about on Friday night about the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. With third-string quarterback Kyle Allen playing the bulk of the snaps, the passing offense didn’t do much against the Houston Texans defense.

But if there was an aspect of the offense that we did like on Friday night it was the play of the backup running backs. Starter Najee Harris only had three carries for nine yards and main backup Jaylen Warren had three carries for 11 yards.

Meanwhile, reserves Jonathan Ward and Daijun Edwards were great in limited action. Ward had 26 yards on just 2 carries, getting 20 on one touch. Diajun Edwards was even better with 28 yards on only three carries and a touchdown.

The Steelers will need to decide when it is time to trim down to the final 53-man roster if that wildcard spot on offense will go to an extra running back, a true fullback or an extra tight end. After one game, we want to see Edwards get that spot and be the team’s No. 3 back with Cordarrelle Patterson as more of a return specialist.

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Mistakes and misteps haunt Steelers in 1st half vs the Texans

The Steelers played a very sloppy half of football against the Texans.

At his pregame press conference, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin drove the point home that this week’s game against the Houston Texans was all about fundamentals. Clean football and minimizing mistakes.

Needless to say, through the first half this has not happened. Pittsburgh struggled on both sides of the football with basic fundamental things that would drive Tomlin crazy. Missed tackles on defense kept Houston’s drives alive and allowed Texans wide receiver Tank Dell to score early.

But it was the offense that really stood out for all the wrong reasons. the starting offensive line struggled to keep the Houston front in check, allowing pressure on the quarterbacks and failing to give the run game any sort of traction.

Center Nate Herbig and quarterback Justin Fields had two fumbled exchanges in just three drives which is inexcusable, even in preseason.

The Steelers trail the Texans 17-0 at halftime. Pittsburgh finished with 151 yards of offense, outgaining the Texans but no points to show for it.

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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin misses prime opportunity vs. Texans

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin missed prime opportunity to go through the challenge process in the first half versus Texans.

Just as players use the first live game action of the season to shake the rust off, so should the coaches. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin missed a prime opportunity to go through the challenge process in the first half.

On the Steelers’ third offensive drive of the game, Justin Fields threw a deep-ball pass slightly behind wide receiver Van Jefferson. Still, Jefferson made the 20-yard catch and, as shown on instant replay, got both feet in bounds. But the referees saw it otherwise. 

Tomlin looked indecisive on the sideline and opted not to take action. The Steelers gained seven total yards on the five plays that followed, forcing their third punt in as many drives.

In his 17-year career, Tomlin has a 43 percent success rate on challenges, with 40 calls overturned in 90 attempts.

It’s the preseason; there’s nothing to lose. Throw the flag.

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