Steelers' Winners And Losers From First 2024 Preseason Matchup Against The Houston Texans

The Pittsburgh Steelers took on the Houston Texans Friday evening in a 2024 preseason contest. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has a team that looks a bit different compared to 2023, as the quarterback room was revamped and new offensive linemen have come into the picture. Anticipation had been building for everyone to get a first look at what Justin Fields could do in a Steelers uniform, but it wasn't a pretty night overall for most of the first-team players that were suited up and competing. On top of that, Pittsburgh lost by a score of 20-12.

As is the case in any football game, certain players, coaches and/or units stood out. Some were good for Pittsburgh against Houston, while others might not have the fan base too excited as the regular season inches closer. It's important to acknowledge the positive first, while the negative can be saved for last. It all begins with a rookie that proved he has the abilities to contribute almost immediately.

Steelers' Winners

1.) Payton Wilson 

Fans have been hoping that the signing of Patrick Queen would finally fill the void that Ryan Shazier left when he suffered a devastating career-ending injury in 2017. Queen was inactive for the contest, but rookie third-rounder Payton Wilson absolutely made his presence known. He had an effortless tackle for loss on the first defensive possession of the game and then went on to stuff a run on the initial play of Houston's second offensive possession.

He looked as quick as advertised and healthy as ever, which were two things many were concerned about when the Steelers drafted him. He certainly impressed in his first NFL action. The trio of Wilson, Queen and Elandon Roberts could be one of the best throughout the league if the rookie can continue to improve and also play at a high level. Wilson finished with six total tackles, and that number was good enough to lead the Steelers' defense.

2.) DeMarvin Leal

DeMarvin Leal has worked in as somewhat of a de facto outside linebacker during training camp. It was theorized that he could be in jeopardy of not making the team, but he showed out on Friday evening, specifically in the first half. A sack, tackle for loss, and quarterback hit were all noticed and the defensive lineman made an impact in a pivotal game for his future roster status.

3.) Van Jefferson

The stat line for Van Jefferson on Friday does not tell the whole story. The wide receiver had just one catch for 20 yards, but hauled in a would-have-been reception from Fields near the sideline, but the officials ruled it incomplete and Tomlin didn't challenge. Taking a look at the replay, it most likely would have been ruled as a catch if the booth took a glance at it. There is a lot of concern about the second wide receiver spot in Pittsburgh, but Jefferson proved to be capable on Friday.

4.) Running Backs Fighting For A Roster Spot

The running backs' room is crowed in the Steel City, especially if you throw in a healthy Cordarrelle Patterson. That didn't stop Jonathan Ward from proving that he deserves a chance at making the final 53-man roster. 

He carried the ball four times in the first half and averaged almost six and a half yards on the ground. The highlight was a 20-yard gain. He may not be in line for any kind of starting role, but the coaching staff is going to want to keep a close eye on him moving forward, and performing on special teams won't hurt, either.

Former University of Georgia ball-carrier Daijun Edwards burst onto the scene in the second half, specifically on the Steelers' second scoring drive of the game. He had three carries that went for 28 yards and a score. It may absolutely end up as an intense battle between Edwards and Ward for one of the final spots on the initial 53-man roster.

5.) Mason McCormick

Rookie offensive linemen have been popular for the Steelers in recent years and out of those drafted in 2024, Mason McCormick, made the most of his opportunities against the Texans. He was strong blocking in both the run and passing game, and didn't make any crucial mistakes, which is promising for young players. He could insert himself into a starting role much sooner than some are anticipating. Zach Frazier deserves some credit, too, as he was effective during his time in the contest.

6.) Jeremiah Moon

It was shockingly announced that Markus Golden retired only a week after being re-signed by the organization. Jeremiah Moon stepped up in an attempt to put his name on the coaching staff's radar. He had five tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss. The fourth outside linebacker spot is now wide open and Moon made his first full case on Friday evening.

Steelers' Losers

1.) Special Teams/Danny Smith/Quez Watkins

Darius Rush accidentally blew up the opening kickoff return for Pittsburgh, which led to poor field position. Later in the first quarter, two of the team's three punt coverages were poor. Tank Dell returned a boot from Cameron Johnston that went for 21 yards, and he not soon after caught a touchdown pass on the ensuing drive. The Texans kicked off after the score and rookie Ryan Watts was called for holding, resulting in bad field position.

It got worse as the game went on. Roughly halfway through the second quarter, Quez Watkins muffed a punt and the Texans recovered. He also had a terrible fair catch call that should never have been signaled for. All of this will leave fans with nightmares as the last few seasons have seen way too many special teams mistakes, especially when it comes to the punting and punt return units.

2.) Nate Herbig

Twice in the first two offensive possessions, there were fumbled exchanges between center and quarterback. The initial mishap cost the Steelers yards and a punt came not too long after. The second somehow resulted in a four-yard gain. It didn't matter at drive's end, as Pittsburgh went three-and-out and ended up punting. Overall, it wasn't a strong appearance from the top center on the depth chart. Frazier ran with the first team on the third drive of the game and it went without a hitch.

3.) Troy Fautanu

The Steelers' 2024 first-round draft pick saw a decent amount of action in the game, especially early on. The bad news is that he wasn't all that impressive in pass protection. He was the big man up front responsible for two sacks and while it shouldn't be looked at as too concerning this early on, he may not have the leg up that many thought he might over Dan Moore Jr. to work as one of the starting offensive tackles.

4.) Starting Rushing Attack

Ward may have been a small bright spot when it came to running the football, but overall, it wasn't what it has been made out to be with Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren combined for six carries and just 20 yards. If the offense wants to maximize the play-action and be more dynamic, it is imperative that running the football in Pittsburgh becomes one of the more consistent schemes in the NFL.

Neutral

1.) Quarterback Play

Fields completed six of his seven passes and had a nicely thrown ball down the sideline to Jefferson as well as a nice side-arm pass to Harris on the flat, but the inability to really move the offense into scoring position in three drives left more to desire. Kyle Allen played well, but it's impossible to look past him missing a wide open Calvin Austin III in the back corner of the end zone in the first half.

Who are your winners and losers from the Steelers' first preseason game of 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

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