PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There were several areas to watch during the first preseason game on Friday. Here is a look at the Steelers who helped themselves in the 27-17 win at Tampa Bay.
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1st team offense
· None were fighting for jobs, but to score on the first series with QB Kenny Pickett (6-7, 70 yards) nearly perfect and WR George Pickens making a big play on third-down. Great start to the season with WR Diontae Johnson also impressive on with three catches on three targets, one for a third-down conversion.
Calvin Austin
· First NFL touch was a 17-yard gain on a jet sweep. On his second play, a six-yard gain on an inside handoff. He caught a six-yard pass on cross route for six yards and drew a pass interference penalty on a go-route. But the big play for Austin came in the second series in the second half, a 67-yard reception from Mason Rudolph (7-12, 132 yards, TD), who hung in the pocket and threw it as he was getting hit for the touchdown.
Nick Herbig·
The rookie slowed by a hip injury a few days ago, Herbig was able to play and showed off his speed around the end for the first Steelers sack of the night. DeMarvin Leal, who also played some good snaps, helped clean up the sack. Then Herbig got another with an inside move on a third down against Trask.
Trenton Thompson
· Signed on August 2 after being released by the Giants, Thompson had an interception of Bucs QB Kyle Trask. He did a nice job of reading his eyes and making a high catch on the ball.
Elijah Riley
· Third-year safety had a perfect open-field tackle on a punt return and a tackle for loss as a safety. Riley is battling with Wilkinsburg’s Kenny Robinson for a potential roster spot.
Badger boys
· On the fourth Tampa Bay offensive series, defensive linemen Keeanu Benton and Isaiahh Loudermilk combined to control the line of scrimmage. The pair of former Wisconsin players finished that drive splitting a tackle for loss on fourth-and-one.
Anthony McFadden
· Final year of his rookie contract, McFarland showed off his speed taking a handoff and sprinting outside for a 14-yard touchdown in the first half.
Connor Heyward
· It could probably be said of Heyward that he’s just a football player. In his second season, Heyward caught a pair of passes as a tight end for 34 yards, rushed as a tailback for six yards and also played solid special teams.
BT Potter
· The former Wake Forest star made had his first extra point off the upright, but would drill two others and then also made a pair of field goals, including a 43-yarder. He’s not competing with Chris Boswell, but is competing for all other teams looking for a kicker.
A trio of seemingly healthy defensive starters did not play (TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick). Three safeties missed due to injury-Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal and Tre Norwood. Rookie corner Joey Porter, Junior did not play after suffering an ankle injury in practice a few days ago.