In the highly anticipated preseason opener between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers, there were some standout performances and a few disappointments. Let's dive into the winners and losers of this Thursday night clash and explore the implications for the upcoming season.
Winners
Asante Samuel Jr.: The Shutdown Cornerback
Asante Samuel Jr. had an impressive showing, breaking up passes and showcasing his ball skills. His performance suggests he's not just depth, but a valuable asset with a potential sub-package role. Samuel's ability to get his head around and make plays on the ball is a sign of his talent and potential impact.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the context. Samuel has taken advantage of an injury to Joey Porter Jr., showcasing his ability to step up and make a case for himself. Personally, I think this is a great example of how depth players can seize opportunities and force coaches to take notice.
Germie Bernard: The Stadium Performer
Germie Bernard, despite a quiet training camp, came alive under the stadium lights. His feel for zone coverage, reliable hands, and strength on display were impressive. Bernard created yards after catch (YAC) and generated buzz with his performance. It's a reminder that some players thrive in game situations, and their true potential may not always be evident during practice.
Will Howard: A Promising Quarterback Debut
Will Howard's first in-stadium action since 2025 was a success. He connected with his receivers, especially in the two-minute drill, showcasing touch and accuracy. Howard's ability to meet key moments, like completing passes on fourth down, is a positive sign. While he had a few risky throws, the overall debut was encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Howard's composure and ability to lead the offense downfield. This raises a deeper question about the potential for a quarterback competition as the season progresses.
Lew Nichols: Hard-Charging Running Back
Lew Nichols continued his hard-charging style, pushing the pile and gaining yards after contact. His ability to convert on fourth down and his overall running performance keep him in the conversation for a roster spot. Nichols' competitiveness and willingness to bounce runs wide show his versatility.
Special Teams Standouts: Skowronek, Tonyan, and Wetjen
Ben Skowronek and Robert Tonyan made key catches, with Skowronek converting on third and fourth down. Tonyan's ability to get open and available is a sign of his potential value to the team. Kaden Wetjen, a return specialist, flashed his talent with multiple broken tackles and a long catch-and-run. His performance on special teams and offense showcases his versatility and potential impact.
Defensive Line: Black, Rubio, and Davis
The defensive line, including Yahya Black and Gabiel Rubio, played solid run defense. Their ability to key runners wide and make stops is a positive sign. Jamin Davis, an outside linebacker, defended the boot game well, picking up sacks. These players' performances suggest a promising defensive front.
Drew Allar: Impressive Quarterback Performance
Drew Allar followed Howard's act with a strong showing. His first completion was a long catch-and-run, and he finished the drive with a touchdown. Allar's timing and accuracy were impressive, especially in the short and intermediate game. His performance begins to answer concerns about his college tape and sets a positive tone for the quarterback room.
Losers
Discipline and Penalties: A Sloppy Performance
The Steelers' penalty issues were a major concern, with 11 penalties for 143 yards. This sloppiness carried over from camp and into the game. False starts, late hits, and special teams penalties were all too common. Art Rooney II's frustration is understandable, as these mistakes can cost games.
What many people don't realize is that discipline issues can be a team-wide problem, affecting morale and performance. It's a reminder that even in preseason, these fundamentals are crucial.
Kaleb Johnson: Losing Ground
Kaleb Johnson's lack of offensive snaps and touches is a concern. With Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle sitting out, Johnson's absence is notable. His limited carries and lack of yards suggest he's lost ground and may not fit into Mike McCarthy's scheme. It's a tough situation, and his chances of making the 53-man roster seem slim.
Troy Fautanu: Rust and Inconsistency
Troy Fautanu, shifting back to left tackle, had a rough game with pressure allowed and penalties picked up. While there are mitigating circumstances, Fautanu's performance suggests he's still knocking off rust. This inconsistency is a concern, especially with the potential for better days ahead.
Deeper Analysis
The preseason is a crucial time for evaluation and roster decisions. The winners and losers from this game provide a snapshot of the team's current state and potential. The impressive performances of players like Samuel, Bernard, Howard, and Allar are encouraging signs for the Steelers' future. However, the discipline issues and struggles of players like Johnson and Fautanu highlight areas that need improvement.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers offered a glimpse into the team's strengths and weaknesses. While there were impressive performances, the penalty issues and inconsistent play in certain positions are cause for concern. As the preseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Steelers address these challenges and continue to build towards a successful season. From my perspective, the winners and losers of this game set the tone for what could be an exciting and competitive season ahead.
