The Pittsburgh Steelers began their preseason with a 25-21 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, gaining 367 total yards, including 317 passing yards. Despite the victory, coaches and players emphasized that preseason games are more about evaluating performance than focusing on the final score.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said, “You don’t overreact in the preseason, one way or the other. We’ve got plenty of things we’ve got to work on. Obviously, it was good to see some of the little things that have points of emphasis, operation we were pretty clean. We did have one false start, leaving early, down in the red zone.
“But I think overall, style of play, guys made plays, handled situations pretty well for the most part. We got what we want we feel. Details and some of the stuff that showed up.”
Quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson took most of the snaps during the game. Rookie Will Howard did not play due to an injury suffered in training camp. Aaron Rodgers was held out by head coach Mike Tomlin. Logan Woodside participated but did not attempt a pass.
Rudolph completed nine out of ten passes for 84 yards and threw a touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington. Thompson finished with 20 completions on 28 attempts for 233 yards and three touchdowns.
Smith discussed working with this group: “Every quarterback I’ve had is different, just even the way they prepare and what they really need to know before,” he said. “Some guys you can drown them with too much information. You just got to get a feel for them. Every one of them is different, from Mason to Aaron to Skyler to Will to Logan.
“Just getting a feel for them. And I think that’s what’s important in the preseason. Those guys have to play how you want to call a game, what they need from the sideline, just the rhythm of things, operation. I thought both quarterbacks handled it really well.”
The running game produced only 66 yards; rookie Kaleb Johnson led with eight carries for 20 yards.
“The run game, it’s a could have, would have, should have, but it’s like everything you do you’ve got to be in sync,” Smith said. “And so there’s plenty of stuff we’ve got to work on.”
Most offensive line starters played except guard Isaac Seumalo who sat out.
“I thought they did a good job,” Smith said about his offensive line unit’s performance against Jacksonville’s defensive front including Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.”I was glad they played their guys… So it was good work for Troy (Fautanu) and Broderick (Jones). I thought pockets were pretty good… Plenty of stuff to learn but I thought both quarterbacks overall did really well.”
On defense there is competition at safety following offseason additions DeShon Elliott (who signed as a free agent), Juan Thornhill (also an unrestricted free agent), and Chuck Clark (signed during training camp). Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin noted Thornhill and Clark alternated between free safety and strong safety roles while Elliott rested during Saturday’s game.
“We’re going to just let those guys play,” Austin said.”Obviously being veteran guys they could do it either way in terms of being up or back.
“We’re allowing them to play take care let them play to their strengths and do things because they learn well…the flexibility that they have when they’re working together seems to work.”
Austin added regarding Elliott’s role: “I’m not going say all that but we all know that DeShon does really good when he’s closer to box… I’m going try keep him as is where he’s really good…”
Second-year nickelback Beanie Bishop remains second on depth chart behind Jalen Ramsey but continues competing strongly at his position through camp according Austin: “I think he’s reacted well he’s competed well… He’s got some room for improvement like we all do…that competition is going go all way down wire…”
Austin concluded: “I think he did steady job there was no splash in game but I thought it was steady… He tackled well he ran he did all things we asked him do…
“And like I said but I still think this competition that’s been in camp it’s really been all offseason we won’t know how finishes up for him until end camp.”
