PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The offense struggled early in training camp, but they scored four touchdowns and a field goal without many of its starters including Aaron Rodgers in a 31-25 Steelers win in Jacksonville in the preseason opener.
Here is a look at the Fan 5 notes from the game from a pair of impressive scoring drives, to the quarterback stats and a number of players who made an impact Saturday night in Florida.
#1 1st drive
The last time the Steelers scored on the opening drive in the regular season was Week 12 in 2023. QB Mason Rudolph rolled right down the field, going 7 for 7 starting with a 19 yard catch by second-year receiver Roman Wilson over the middle as he was hit just as he caught it. Receiver Brandon Johnson with a 4-yard third-down conversion, running back Kaleb Johnson broke a tackle for 4 yards on 3rd and 3. Steelers even overcame an illegal hands to the face penalty by second-year tackle Troy Fautanu on the drive.
The touchdown throw by Rudolph was outstanding, over the linebacker and high enough for only 6’7” tight end Darnell Washington to come down with it in the end zone for a touchdown, and they used the middle of the field, often.
#2 2-minute drive
The drive started innocently enough with Kaleb Johnson getting a first down on a hard 3-yard run. After offsetting penalties, QB Skylar Thompson found receiver Scotty Miller over the middle for 22 yards as he was hammered, but held on. Next play Miller catches a short pass and gets hit hard again. Thompson with a low comeback route of 6 yards to receiver Lance McCutcheon who makes a nice catch scooping it off the ground on 3rd and 6. After dropping a previous attempt, undrafted rookie Max Hurleman makes a 26-yard catch over the middle to the Jacksonville three-yard line.
Touchdown here was interesting, Hurleman is relaying an audible and is late to leave after the snap, yet still was able to make a sliding catch on a 3-yard out. The drive was 11 plays, 85 yards, 3:57. Thompson was 7-8 for 75 yards on the drive.
#3 Payton leading
With most of the starters resting including Patrick Queen, it was up to second-year linebacker Payton Wilson to call plays defensively. There were no mistakes, Wilson looked comfortable in that role and in just a series he made three solo tackles. Mike Tomlin praised Wilson during a halftime interview with Missi Matthews on KDKA-TV for looking good in that role and ready to take a next step.
#4 QB work/Spreading it around
Preseason game, but the quarterbacks looked good. Mason Rudolph was a near perfect 9 of 10 for 84 yards and the strike to Washington. The offense was smooth, no mental mistakes.
Skylar Thompson was hardly getting any reps in practice until the Will Howard hand injury Tuesday at practice. Thompson was in control, stood in the pocket, but was also able to avoid the rush and no turnovers. He finished 20-28 for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Even though he didn’t play, Aaron Rodgers was anything but a bored veteran not playing in a preseason game. Rodgers was engaged, asking questions and going over scenarios with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, joking and congratulating his teammates as we paced up and down the sideline.
Steelers threw to 16 different receivers, along with Washington and Hurleman scoring, receiver Ke’Shawn Williams and running back Trey Sermon caught touchdown passes. Miller was the leading receiver with 4 receptions for 47 yards. Williams had the most yards with 55 on two receptions.
#5 Other notes
· Last year a starter in the slot, second-year defensive back Beanie Bishop had a PBU for a third-down stop and led the team with 5 solo tackles.
· Safety Juan Thornhill had a huge hit early to knock the ball free from Brian Thompson. It was perfectly timed.
· Steelers only rushed for 66 yards with former Eagles and Packers practice squad running back Lew Nichols running it 6 times for 31 yards.
· With Chris Boswell reportedly holding-in looking for an increase to his $5 million contract this year, Pitt rookie Ben Sauls made his only field goal attempt, 36 yards, and all four extra points.
· Only one practice after signing with the Steelers, offensive lineman Andrus Peat played left tackle in the second half during his first action with his new team.
· Steelers defense had only one tackle for loss (Brandin Echols) and no sacks. Jack Sawyer and DeMarvin Leal nearly had a sack late in the game but the QB just got rid of it.
· Punt battle-Steelers only punted three times, Cameron Johnston with a 42-yarder and 52-yarder inside the 20 and Corliss Waitman also hit one inside the 20 of 56 yards.
· Steelers were 8 of 13 on 3rd down
· Jacksonville kicker Cam Little hit what would be an NFL record field goal of 70 yards at the end of the first half. He also hit a 52 yarder.