Pittsburgh Review

Earlier this week, when discussing the Steelers' preseason opener against the Houston Texans, head coach Mike Tomlin said he wanted to see his team "make routine plays routinely." That did not necessarily happen as much as Tomlin might have liked in the Steelers' 20-12 loss to the Texans.

Botched snaps, muffed punts, and penalties such as running out of bounds on punt coverage and overthrowing a wide-open receiver in the end zone contributed to the loss. These issues will likely be addressed by Tomlin and his coaching staff before their next preseason game at Acrisure Stadium against the Bills.

Tomlin emphasized that routine plays are expected to be made. The Steelers did not do that enough against the Texans, negating any positive aspects of their performance. "Just looking at it from a special teams perspective, the field position and points standpoint was JV," Tomlin said. He cited several specific errors: a block in the back on a kickoff return, running out of bounds without being forced on a punt, a bad snap on an extra point attempt, and muffing a punt that led to seven points for Houston.

On offense and defense, Tomlin noted that they were also lacking. "Maybe 1 of 7 at one point on offense is not good enough," he said. The team faced third-and-long situations multiple times but failed to capitalize.

The center-quarterback exchange issues were fundamental problems for Pittsburgh. Center Nate Herbig took responsibility for botched snaps on their first two possessions. "For whatever reason, I didn't give him the snap clean and that's my fault," Herbig said. Quarterback Justin Fields also acknowledged needing better coordination with his center.

Despite these setbacks, both Fields and third-string quarterback Kyle Allen performed well overall. They combined to complete 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards with one touchdown and one interception. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme showed promise with play-action passes, moving pockets, three-tight end packages, fullback lead blocking, and screen plays.

Special teams had mixed results; Beanie Bishop and Dez Fitzpatrick struggled initially as gunners on punt coverage but improved later in the game. Veterans Miles Boykin and James Pierre set high standards last season which newcomers need to meet.

Defensively, key players like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith did not play while Markus Golden retired before the game began. Depth players such as Nick Herbig stood out positively along with Montravius Adams who highlighted growth among returning players.

The new kickoff rule's impact was limited; average starting positions were skewed by unusual plays like squib kicks or penalties but generally started around the 27-yard line—an outcome Tomlin found predictable but useful for future adjustments.

Rookies had varied performances typical for first-time NFL competitors according to linebacker Payton Wilson who led tackles despite some misses himself while young offensive linemen showed potential primarily in run blocking over pass protection yet maintained positive attitudes towards improvement efforts going forward too

Wide receiver pecking order behind George Pickens may be forming though Quez Watkins struggled whereas Van Jefferson Calvin Austin III Scotty Miller Fitzpatrick all contributed significantly during this match

Russell Wilson should fully participate next week's practice following gradual ramp-up post-training camp absence likewise Cordarrelle Patterson activated off Reserve/Non-Football Injury List indicating readiness resume activities soon

Tomlin expressed dissatisfaction defensive lapses allowing crucial possession downs especially considering absences major starters suggesting presence could've altered outcomes though avoiding excuses maintaining high expectations regardless lineup changes