Pittsburgh Review

Coach Mike Tomlin was clear about his expectations for the team's preseason opener against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. "A high floor from a fundamental perspective," Tomlin stated, emphasizing the importance of minimizing self-inflicted errors. However, in their 20-12 loss to the Texans, Tomlin's expectations were not met.

The game featured several fundamental mistakes, including botched center-quarterback exchanges between Nate Herbig and Justin Fields. These errors occurred despite extensive practice at Saint Vincent College. Special teams also struggled, with penalties and poor performance by punt gunners contributing to favorable field positions for the Texans.

"Just looking at it from a special teams perspective," said Tomlin, "the field position and points standpoint was JV." He detailed various lapses, including penalties that hindered field position and a muffed punt that led to a touchdown.

Offensively and defensively, the team faltered on key downs. The Steelers' offense managed only one successful third-down conversion at one point and suffered sacks on others. Defensively, they allowed conversions on third-and-long situations.

Tomlin provided an exhaustive list of issues during his postgame media session without prompting questions. This sets up an intense final week of training camp as they prepare for their next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

"Really a sloppy performance, to be honest with you," said Tomlin. He stressed that while such performances can happen in early preseason games, there is no comfort in that fact given their hard work leading up to this point.

With 29 days until the regular season starts on Sept. 8, Tomlin emphasized the need for improvement. Although there are explanations for each error made during the game—such as missing key players like Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren—the focus must remain on avoiding these becoming excuses.

The upcoming week will involve rigorous practices aimed at regaining intensity and competitiveness demonstrated earlier in camp. While it's not possible for a second preseason game to be labeled as must-win, bouncing back from this performance is crucial.

"There still is time," acknowledged Tomlin. "But it's also true that there's none to waste."