The Pittsburgh Steelers closed out the 2024 preseason with a 24-17 loss in Detroit to the Lions. Mike Tomlin started his first team offense and was rewarded with two straight touchdown drives for a 14-0 lead. Truth be told, this was against the Lions backups but considering what we’ve seen in the first two games, it was a welcome sight. Let’s move on with some of my observations from today’s game.
Offense
-Let’s get it out of the way; Russell Wilson (2/2 26 yards) was in the “pole position” for a reason. He’s QB1 for the Steelers. He played one series and was replaced by Justin Fields (3/4 40 yards) who played most of the first half. We’ve been saying
-First team offense took advantage of starting at the 40 and scored a TD on the opening drive. Keep in mind the Lions started their backups.
-Russell Wilson showed exactly how well he still throws the ball when he gets time. That corner route throw to George Pickens was a beauty.
-Justin Fields made his best throw of the preseason down the middle to MyCole Pruitt. It was a rope and led to the second score.
-Another near disaster on a bad shotgun snap. Third or fourth in three games for Fields. This one appeared to be on Zach Frazier.
-John Rhys Plumlee, at best, makes the practice squad. That said, I have no idea what the Steelers were doing with him as a kick returner. I saw more from him as a QB today than I have as a returner.
-Kyle Allen does a lot of nice things then all of the sudden he takes an awful sack or does some other head-scratching thing. He’s easily the number three guy though.
-Cordarrelle Patterson has been around the League for awhile but he showed he still had some top straight-line speed.
-I feel confident in saying your top three wide receivers are George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Roman Wilson. After that? I really don’t know. It will come down to Special Teams and that could mean a spot for anyone.
Defense
-Nick Herbig has been the best player on defense in the preseason. He’s had at least one sack each game and the motor literally never stops. They have to find a way to use him on defense more often.
-Cory Trice has been such a nice surprise. If he can stay healthy he could be a massive contributor to this defense. He’s long and aggressive and made several nice plays the last couple of weeks.
-Julius Welschof, the team’s international player, is having a great preseason and should easily make the Practice Squad. He’s got some sneaky athleticism and more bend than I would have thought.
-I hope Cam Sutton enjoyed his interception and subsequent punting of the ball into the stands. He won’t see the field now for eight weeks plus.
-I will not be surprised at all if Isaiahh Loudermilk gets cut. He just seemed to regress all preseason and didn’t show a lot of urgency. One play in particular was when the Lions were inside the five yard line. Loudermilk was double-teamed and driven five yards into the end zone. Rather than drop and create a pile he just got shoved backwards.
Special Teams
-I wouldn’t be overly concerned with Special Teams coverage issues just yet. So many of these guys won’t be around starting Tuesday. Danny Smith will finally have “his” guys.
-I honestly have no idea who will be the gunners on the punt team. If I have any concern for STs this is the biggest spot. It’s been brutal although Dez Fitzpatrick showed out a bit today.
-I’m dead serious when I say the best offseason acquisition right now is Cam Johnston. His punting has been outstanding. From long kicks to positional kicks he’s been really good.
