The Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) hosted the Green Bay Packers (1-1) in their first game at Heinz Field this preseason on Sunday afternoon, and after allowing the Packers take an early 10-point lead, Pittsburgh was able to come to win their first preseason game of the season, 24-19.
Green Bay began the game flying out of the gates, using the no huddle on several occasions. Catching the Steelers’ offense off guard by playing at a fast pace, the Packers went down the field and scored a quick touchdown. Green Bay tacked on another two points after a successful try.
Besides the opening drive, Keith Butler and his defense was able to pull it together and shut down Green Bay’s starting offense. After Antwon Blake helped pin the Packers on their one yard line following a Pittsburgh punt, the Steelers front seven wreaked havoc and ended the drive with a sack and safety by James Harrison.
Young defensive talent began to show some promise as Bud Dupree and Jarvis Jones both recorded a sack and looked good when engaged with the Packers’ offensive line. Along with Ryan Shazier’s three tackles, the young group of linebackers are looking more polished and, barring any injuries, should contribute once the regular season begins.
On the other side of the ball, Ben Roethlisberger played three series and had a solid preseason outing. Completing 11 passes on 14 attempts, Big Ben threw for 100 yards and tossed a touchdown pass on his final throw of the day.2
Ben also spread the ball around throwing to five separate receivers, Markus Wheaton being one of the biggest beneficiaries, catching three passes for 42 yards and tallying one touchdown.
The running game also got some momentum as Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams combined for 10 carries and 36 yards as their linemen were able to create enough room for them to work. Bell also caught two passes for 16 yards.
Following a finger injury by Bruce Gradkowski, Landry Jones got the responsibility in leading the Steelers’ offense. Although Jones struggled early by throwing an interception, he rebounded and fished the game with 10 completions on 19 attempts, 172 yards and two touchdowns.
Some of the biggest standouts of the game came from an already crowded receiving corps. Tyler Murphy, a rookie out of Boston College, caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown was able to use his large frame and gave the Steelers a lot of production.
He looks to make the cut gave coaches a reason to keep him. The 6’3” rookie also out of Boston College caught three passes for 42 yards and scored the touchdown that gave Pittsburgh their final lead.
Bumps and Bruises
Pittsburgh suffered from multiple injuries today, two of them that may linger into the regular season.
The first and most substantial injury was suffered by Maurkice Pouncey. He will require ankle surgery. No update on his prognosis was available immediately post-game.
Stephon Tuitt also left the game with a left ankle injury but it is currently unclear how significant the injury is. Both Tuitt and Pouncey were able to make it to the sideline under their own power but had to be carted to the locker room for further evaluation.
Bruce Gradkowski was also sent to the locker room after suffering a left finger injury from diving for a fumbled snap. It is unsure how serious the injury is and if Gradkowski will miss any playing time.
Packers’ star receiver Jordy Nelson may have received the worst news of the day by possibly tearing his ACL which may keep him out for the rest of the season. Nelson had one of his best seasons recording career highs in catches (98) and yards (1,519).
