The Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers was a mixed bag, with several players shining and others falling short. Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers from the game, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Winners
Asante Samuel Jr.
Samuel Jr. was a standout performer, showcasing his ball-skills and versatility. His ability to break up passes and make plays on the ball is a testament to his talent. The fact that he's also an excellent depth option with a potential sub-package role makes him a key player to watch this season. His performance against the Packers was a continuation of his strong play throughout the summer, and he's certainly making a case for himself as a valuable asset to the team.
Germie Bernard
Bernard had a breakthrough performance, coming alive once he stepped onto the field. His reliable hands, feel for zone coverage, and ability to break tackles showcased his potential as a reliable wide receiver. The fact that he's a 'gamer' who can step up in big moments is a positive sign for the Steelers' offense. Bernard's performance against the Packers was a significant improvement from his previous two weeks of training camp, and he's certainly making a case for himself as a key contributor.
Will Howard
Howard's first in-stadium action since January 2025 was a success. His accuracy, touch, and ability to lead the team downfield with confidence were impressive. The two-minute drill showcased his poise and ability to make clutch throws, and he came close to his first passing touchdown. Howard's performance against the Packers was a positive debut, and he's certainly making a case for himself as a potential starter or backup quarterback.
Lew Nichols
Nichols' hard-charging style of play and ability to push the pile forward are a key asset to the team. His performance against the Packers, including a key fourth-down conversion and a touchdown run, showcased his potential as a contributor on both special teams and offense. Nichols' overall performance was strong, and he's not to be counted out from making the 53-man roster.
Ben Skowronek & Robert Tonyan
Skowronek and Tonyan made key catches and showcased their reliability and ability to create opportunities for the offense. Skowronek's special teams value and Tonyan's continued improvement towards securing a spot on the 53-man roster are notable contributions. Their performance against the Packers was a positive sign for the team's depth at wide receiver and tight end.
Yahya Black & Gabiel Rubio
Black and Rubio played solid run defense, with Black beating his block and Rubio two-gapping to force a stop. Their performance against the Packers was a positive sign for the team's defensive line depth. While a closer examination with the All-22 footage is needed, their live performance was promising.
Kaden Wetjen
Wetjen's talent as a return man was on full display, with multiple tackles broken on his kick and punt returns. His ability to force a touchback with a fake fair catch and make a 'wow' play on offense with a 74-yard reception showcases his potential as a game-changer. Wetjen's performance against the Packers was a strong outing, and he's certainly making a case for himself as a key special teams contributor.
Drew Allar
Allar's performance against the Packers was a strong start to his Steelers career. His accuracy, timing, and ability to make big plays were impressive. The 74-yard reception to Wetjen and his read/option keeper for a touchdown showcased his potential as a starter. Allar's performance against the Packers was a positive sign, and he's certainly making a case for himself as a key player in the team's future.
Daylen Everette
Everette held his own against the Packers, filling and fitting the run and being competitive in coverage. His performance as a rookie was impressive, and he's certainly making a case for himself as a key player in the team's defensive backfield.
Jamin Davis
Davis' performance against the Packers was a positive sign, with him defending the boot game well and making a tackle in the flat. His sack in the fourth quarter was a notable play. While he's not on track to make the 53-man roster, his performance against the Packers was a positive sign for his potential as a contributor.
Losers
Discipline & Penalties
The Steelers' discipline and penalties were a major issue against the Packers. The team finished the game with 11 penalties for 143 yards, which is a significant problem. The fact that even Art Rooney II, the team's owner, sounded frustrated during a mid-game interview highlights the severity of the issue. The Steelers have a lot of work to do to clean up their penalties and improve their discipline, especially in a game that is not as crisp as it should be.
Kaleb Johnson
Johnson's lack of involvement in the game, especially in the first half, is a cause for concern. The fact that he didn't log a single offensive snap or have a touch in the first half, despite other running backs sitting out, is a significant issue. Johnson's performance against the Packers was a continuation of his struggles, and he's clearly not a fit in Mike McCarthy's scheme. The odds are high that he'll be traded or cut later this month, as he's not a strong candidate to make the 53-man roster.
Troy Fautanu
Fautanu's performance against the Packers was a cause for concern, as he allowed some pressure off the edge and picked up penalties. While there's some context that minimizes his performance, such as Mason Rudolph not climbing the pocket, Fautanu's overall performance was not his best. As he shifts back to left tackle after playing right tackle, there will need to be better days ahead for him.
In conclusion, the Steelers' preseason opener against the Packers was a mixed bag, with several players shining and others falling short. The team has a lot of work to do to improve their discipline and penalties, and some players, such as Kaleb Johnson and Troy Fautanu, will need to step up their game to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. However, the positive performances of players like Asante Samuel Jr., Germie Bernard, and Will Howard are a sign of hope for the team's future.
