Three things went well (and wrong) in the Steelers’ terrible preseason loss to the Texans.
The Steelers’ preseason opener offered a first glimpse of what’s to come this season—and it wasn’t all pretty. The Steelers kicked off their preseason with a Friday night game against the Houston Texans, falling short with a 20-12 loss.
As is typical in early preseason action, the game was marked by some sloppy play, particularly from the first-team offense as they worked to shake off the rust. Despite the overall struggles, there were both standout performances and areas of concern. Here are three winners and losers from the Steelers’ first preseason game.
One standout player was Payton Wilson, who played with relentless intensity as if his hair was on fire. His speed was evident, constantly positioning him near the ball, and he made an immediate impact with a tackle for loss on his first play.
Over the course of his time on the field, he racked up six tackles, showcasing a strong outing in his first preseason game.
For a player who needed a strong training camp and preseason, he has certainly risen to the occasion. Pittsburgh has been counting on the former third-round pick to take the next step and secure a spot on the team, and Friday night he delivered. Leal not only recorded a sack but also consistently disrupted plays.
Showing versatility by playing both Outside Linebacker and Defensive Line, a strong summer performance could make it difficult for the team to leave him off the final 53-man roster.
Johnson made two crucial stops during the Texans’ attempt to run out the clock, which played a key role in giving the Steelers’ offense another chance to tie the game. His standout performance has intensified the competition for the 4th outside linebacker spot, especially after Markus Golden’s unexpected retirement just hours before kickoff.
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