HOWARD JONES
Outside Linebacker

Coming into this preseason, one of the points of emphasis for the Steelers was to create more turnovers, because in 2013 they managed just 20, including 10 interceptions. The team finished with two in the preseason opener, and both came courtesy of rookie free agent linebacker Howard Jones.

Both of Jones' takeaways came via fumble recoveries. The first of those two came on a muffed punt by the Giants' Charles James, and Jones covered the bouncing ball at the New York 21-yard line. That led to a 38-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham.

The second came as the result of a nice play by outside linebacker Vic So'oto, who penetrated on an attempted swing pass to Thomas Gordon and got his hand on the ball. Jones scooped that one up and ran 28 yards for the touchdown that gave the Steelers a 16-13 lead with 10:16 left in the fourth quarter.

Howard Jones is the Steelers Digest Player of the Week.

Also considered were Sean Spence, who had three tackles in his first game action since 2013; Dan Molls who had nine tackles; Shamarko Thomas, Vince Williams, and Jordan Dangerfield, each of whom had four tackles; Bruce Gradkowski, who completed 8-of-12 passes for 66 yards; and Dri Archer, who had four touches on offense for 59 total yards, including one catch-and-run for 46 yards.