You couldn’t have asked for a better start from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason. Pittsburgh traveled to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers and came out with a 27-17 win after a complete showing in all three phases.
Offensively, quarterback Kenny Pickett only played one drive but was masterful. Pickett went 6-for-7 for 70 passing yards and a sweet 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver George Pickens. The leading passer was Mason Rudolph, who finished with 132 passing yards. Sixty-seven of those went to speedy WR Calvin Austin III on his touchdown catch.
On defense, the Steelers used a ton of players, rotating guys in and out. That kept the defense fresh and the Bucs off balance. Rookie edge rusher Nick Herbig was a standout with 1.5 sacks, and backup cornerback James Pierre led the team with 10 tackles. Four different Steelers accounted for at least a half-sack on the night.
The Steelers played all backups on special teams. Kicker B.T. Potter was perfect on the night. He hit both of his field-goal tries and all three of his extra-point opportunities. Punter Braden Mann punted six times and finished with a 45.7 average. He put two inside the 20.
The Steelers will continue their preseason schedule with a home game against the Buffalo Bills at 6:30 p.m. next Saturday.
