Working on the agenda: The Steelers finished up the preseason on Saturday in Detroit, losing to the Lions, 24-17. It wasn't the outcome they were looking for, but Coach Mike Tomlin did point out that there were things he wanted to get done in the final preseason game that they checked the box on.
"Obviously, we didn't get the job done. We did get a lot of things accomplished that we wanted to get accomplished," said Tomlin. "We talked about some of those things last time we got together. There are dual agendas in a game like this. We wanted to get our starters some in-stadium rhythm that was kind of reflective of some of the things that we've seen in practice. We were able to do that.
"And as soon as we got comfortable with some of those things, we moved on to provide ample opportunity for those who are trying to find one or two final seats on the bus, give them a space in which to do that.
"So comfortable with the agenda component of it, but obviously, didn't make enough plays to secure victory."
Russell Wilson started at quarterback for the Steelers, leading them to a touchdown on the opening drive, the only drive he saw action on along with the majority of the starting offense.
"We just needed results that are indicative of how we've worked," said Tomlin. "They were able to put together a scoring drive and really just provided an opportunity to get Justin (Fields) in there sooner. So, that's why we did it."
Fields stepped in after the first series, playing into the second quarter. Tomlin liked what he saw from Fields as well, who also led the offense on a touchdown drive.
"They both moved the ball. They won possession downs," said Tomlin. "We put the ball in the end zone. Things that we hadn't done to this point, sufficiently enough in the preseason."
Tomlin was asked if he had a definitive decision on who would be the starting quarterback heading into the regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8, but he wasn't ready to make that announcement yet.
"We'll make a decision at the end of our work week this upcoming week," said Tomlin. "We got three days of Steelers versus Steelers work. Why not do it then? It kind of minimizes Steelers versus Steelers work when we start making decisions prior to the completion of that.
"We've got ample time to prepare for Atlanta and make whatever decisions or announcements regarding division of labor or pecking orders and so forth. So, we'll do it at the end of the work week."
Tomlin did address injuries in game, including one to rookie defensive back Ryan Watts, who was injured in the closing minute of the game.
"We had some bumps and bruises in play," said Tomlin. "Cory Trice had a groin. Julius (Welschof) had a knee, that's being evaluated. And obviously you guys saw Ryan Watts, I think he can be described as a stinger, but he's still being evaluated."
Collective effort: Quarterback Russell Wilson didn't see a lot of playing time in Saturday's preseason loss to the Detroit Lions, but it took no time for him to get the offense into the end zone.
Wilson engineered the opening drive of the game, taking the Steelers 60 yards on five plays in 2:13. Cordarrelle Patterson took it in from 31-yards out to give the Steelers a 7-0 lead before Wilson headed to the sidelines for the remainder of the game.
Wilson completed his only two pass attempts for 26 yards, including a 32-yard completion to George Pickens along the sideline.
"I thought we did a really good job as a collective effort on offense, how we move the ball," said Wilson. "Obviously, George doing a great job on that third and 11 conversion. He ran a great route, great protection. It was a great team effort. I thought our guys, the 1's did a really good job of getting up and down the field, which is what we wanted. I knew that we were able to do that. We've had a really great training camp and OTAs and all that. So, we finally put it on the field under the lights."
Wilson said the key to getting the ball in the end zone this week, after not being able to do so against the Buffalo Bills last week, was about staying on schedule.
"Last week we just didn't stay on schedule. This time we did," said Wilson. "I think another part of it, too, was I told you guys earlier in the week, the best part is to be able to celebrate in the end zone with your teammates. That's what this game is all about. Just get in there and do that. We've got a lot more work to do, and we've got to keep our heads down and keep going."
Wilson said after the first series Coach Mike Tomlin told him on the sideline that he was done, and he was good with whatever was asked of him after getting the ball in the end zone.
"Our number one objective was to go up and down the field and score," said Wilson. "I was ready to play however long Coach wanted me to. Whenever I came off the sideline, he just kind of gave me a, 'hey, you're done.'
"I thought that other guys did good, too. I thought Justin (Fields) did good. I thought I thought Kyle (Allen) and J.R. (John Rhys Plumlee), it was good to see J.R. in there, get a chance to get in the game. This guy's been doing kickoff returns, punt returns, doing all the different things, playing quarterback as well. So that was cool to see."
While Wilson's reps have been limited in the preseason, and somewhat in training camp, because of a calf injury, he does feel like he got enough work heading into the regular season.
"I was able to get a lot of reps, obviously all in OTAs and then also too during training camp, even though I was out, I was getting the mental ones," said Wilson. "When I could do a little bit more each day, we had a plan, the trainers did a tremendous job, too. We had a plan put together about what I was going to be able to do, how much. And I was pushing the envelope to do more. It was a good balance. I got a lot of reps, especially the past two weeks in practice in particular."
Tomlin has yet to make an announcement as to who will be the starting quarterback for the regular season, and that isn't something that bothers Wilson at all.
"I'm just focused on being the best teammate I can be, preparing every day, being professional, how we go about that approach," said Wilson. "Our room is a talented room. I think the best thing that we've done is get better every day. I think that's the thing that you continue to learn, you continue to grow. You can continue to have that love of the game every day.
"For me personally, I want to help this team win. We've got a mission. We've got goals, we've got big ones. You take one week at a time and understand that. Hopefully by the end of it all, it's all worth it."
