Steelers' Undeniable Top Three Winners And Losers For 2024 Preseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 preseason came to a close, as the team ended up with zero victories and three losses. Pittsburgh's starting offense was underwhelming during the first two weeks, but got back on track in the finale against the Detroit Lions on Saturday. All eyes from Steeler Nation were on the quarterbacks, in hopes of seeing a winner emerge from the QB competition. The black and gold now will turn their heads towards the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, which will take place on September 8th at 1:00 P.M. ET. Here is your list of winners and losers from the Steelers' preseason. 

OLB Nick Herbig

Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig easily comes away as one of the team's top performers this preseason. Herbig, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in the fourth round last year, finished his rookie season with three sacks in 2023. 

Playing behind an edge rush group with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, playing time was hard to come by. The rookie made the most of snaps though, and showed the Steel City what he's capable of becoming in the long run. He and Watt have a special connection, and the work they've put in together was displayed this month. 

Herbig didn't get too many snaps in Pittsburgh's first duel against the Houston Texans, but had a huge impact on games two and three. Between the two games against the Lions and Buffalo Bills, Herbig tallied 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. By far Pittsburgh's most explosive player this preseason, Herbig is making a strong push for more playing time in his second season. 

C Zach Frazier

Rookie center Zach Frazier entered the Steelers' organization as a second-round draft pick that many hope will become the next Maurkice Pouncey. When Pittsburgh released their depth chart during training camp, Frazier was unfortunately listed as the backup center behind Nate Herbig. Not only did Nate Herbig struggle in the first game by botching two snaps, he suffered a torn rotator cuff that would keep him sidelined for the majority of the season. 

Regardless, Frazier took advantage of his playing time during the preseason and killed it. He dominated in run blocking and protected his quarterbacks, which is all anyone can ask for. In Saturday's game in Detroit, Frazier snapped a ball when Justin Fields wasn't ready, which is something he surely regrets. Even with his mistake with Fields, Frazier is now Pittsburgh's starting center, which makes him one of the top winners this preseason. 

P Cameron Johnston

After three wobbly and inconsistent years of punting from Pressley Harvin III, the Steelers decided to move on and go out and get a proven veteran punter. Cameron Johnston was brought in after leaving the Texans, and his reputation for absolutely bombing the football has been proven. The issues that Harvin suffered in the past should no longer occur in Pittsburgh with Johnston. He hasn't made a Pro Bowl yet, but it wouldn't be surprising if he got his first selection in 2024 with the Steelers.

It's now time to look at some of the losers from Pittsburgh's month of August. Coincidentally, all three of these players are on the offensive side of the ball, which is not a good sign. 

QB Justin Fields

Even though Fields didn't play poorly and seemed to grow as a passer, he came out of the preseason as a loser. The biggest storyline in Pittsburgh this offseason was about the quarterback battle between he and Russell Wilson. Unfortunately for Fields, he wasn't able to put together a touchdown drive with the offense until the third and final preseason game. 

He didn't do enough to change the mind of Head Coach Mike Tomlin, and it's more than likely that Wilson will be the Week 1 starter in Atlanta. Wilson also didn't do anything exciting this preseason, which is why Fields had a great opportunity to flip the coin his way. Fields will now enter the regular season as the backup, and will be waiting if and when Wilson falters. 

WR Calvin Austin III

Behind the quarterback situation, the biggest concern in the Steel City this offseason was the wide receiving group. Besides George Pickens, the Steelers aren't left with much. This season was a great opportunity for third-year wideout Calvin Austin III to emerge as Pittsburgh's number two or three pass-catcher. 

Austin and his speed wasn't used in the best of ways in Matt Canada's previous offense, but there was optimism that Arthur Smith would come up with a good game plan for him. 

Austin is competing with Van Jefferson and Roman Wilson for the order of the receiving depth chart. In their first stint against the Texans, Austin caught two passes for 49 yards. After that, he didn't see the field again. Austin wasn't able to solidify his spot as the number three or potentially the number two, which makes him a loser this preseason. 

OT Broderick Jones

Steelers' 2023 first-round offensive tackle Broderick Jones has surprisingly struggled, and in ugly fashion. Jones is dealing with an arm injury which could detect why he's blocked so poorly, but nonetheless, he has to step up. Steeler Nation expected Jones to replace Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, but Moore has certainly performed better than Jones so far. 

While facing the Bills, Jones allowed two sacks on Wilson early in the game which put a dent in the offenses performance. His struggles continued in Detroit on Saturday, leaving the fan base in shock. 

Steelers' Offense Back On Track As They Gear Up For Atlanta Week 1

The Steelers and their offense had some serious worries after the first two games. They only scored 15 points combined during their two home games, but scored 17 on Saturday. Wilson and Fields were responsible for 14 of them, which got the Steel City pumped up and ready for the Falcons.

That does it for the preseason in Pittsburgh. What are your thoughts on the three losses? Who are your winners and losers heading into the regular season? Let us know! 

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