DETROIT - The results haven't been necessarily what the Steelers would have liked in an 0-3 preseason. But the process is one they have to trust.
Whether that trust is justified or not will be revealed in what happens once the ball is kicked off Sept. 8 in Atlanta. Then we'll know if the Steelers were ready for the regular season or not.
What we do know is that Saturday's 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions in the preseason finale was much different from the team's previous preseason losses to Houston and Buffalo.
In those games, the first-team offense struggled to produce, failing on third downs and not producing a single point whether it was Russell Wilson or Justin Fields leading the group.
In this one, both quarterbacks produced touchdowns – albeit against Detroit's backups – with relative ease.
Wilson, the presumed starter, connected with George Pickens for a 32-yard gain on third-and-11 on the opening possession, letting the ball go before the receiver broke out of his route toward the sideline.
"I thought we did a really good job moving the ball," said Wilson, who completed both passes he threw on the opening drive to Pickens. "I thought George did a good job. Obviously on that third-and-11 conversion, he ran a great route. We had great protection. It was a great team effort.
"We've had a great training camp and OTAs. We finally put it together on the field under the lights."
That was enough for head coach Mike Tomlin to see of Wilson. He immediately pulled him after the Steelers scored on a 31-yard run by Cordarrelle Patterson, turning the offense over to Fields.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 3 preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2), Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65), and Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Elliott (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (81) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95), and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51), and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Elliott (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La'Mical Perine (38) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La'Mical Perine (38) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Elliott (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La'Mical Perine (38) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) and Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Julius Welschof (48) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Dean Lowry (94) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Julius Welschof (48) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jacoby Windmon (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defense during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kyron Johnson (53) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Marcus Haynes (38) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Kiondre Thomas (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La'Mical Perine (38) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Matthew Wright (8) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Elliott (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (21) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Zyon Gilbert (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Julius Welschof (48) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (21) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Zyon Gilbert (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Julius Welschof (48) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defense during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LuQuay Washington (40) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defense during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jacoby Windmon (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jacoby Windmon (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman TyKeem Doss (72) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LuQuay Washington (40) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin following a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Prayer circle following a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin following a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, on Saturday August 24, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
After a strip-sack by Nick Herbig, Fields got the ball at the Detroit 35 and quickly maneuvered the Steelers in for a second score, this one on a 1-yard run by La'Mical Perrine.
But it was a 22-yard pass to tight end MyCole Pruitt that was the big gainer during the drive. And Fields deftly threaded a pass over a defender to hit Pruitt in stride.
The passes to Pickens and Pruitt are what have been seen at training camp and throughout the offseason from this group. Those kind of chunk plays were often missing from the Steelers offense in 2023.
They weren't just deep shots down the sideline. They were schemed-up plays that got the receivers open.
And both quarterbacks connected on them.
Tomlin said he will make a decision on who his starter will be at quarterback in Atlanta by the end of next week.
Whomever that is – and Wilson has remained in "pole position" throughout the process – will be in a good place to succeed.
After the Steelers struggled offensively with their front-line guys in the first two games, caution was preached in this space. It is the preseason, after all.
By the same token, Saturday's performance doesn't show everything is perfect. But it does align more realistically with how the team has practiced on a day-in and day-out basis.
• One of the biggest issues for the team in last week's loss to the Bills was the play of right tackle Broderick Jones, who had a tough game.
But Jones held up well in this game, even against Detroit's Wide-9 pass rush scheme that puts the pass rusher far outside the tackle and allows him to build up a head of steam before engaging the blocker.
The Lions got little movement on Jones when he was out there.
"I felt like it was good," Jones said.
The Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2023 came under fire after the game against the Bills. But he feels he corrected what the issue was in that particular game.
"The biggest thing for me is really just getting off the ball at the snap," Jones said. "When I'm able to get off the ball, I feel like it's hard to get around me. I just have to do what I can to be the best version of me and just hope that's what it takes."
• Herbig just makes plays every time he's on the field.
And it doesn't really seem to matter how much or how long he's out there.
Herbig had two more sacks in this game, including the strip-sack of Hendon Hooker that ended Detroit's first offensive possession.
T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith sat this game out, meaning neither played at all in the preseason. But Herbig has shown that when those guys aren't available, he's a nice option to have available.
"I think that really happens in camp, when you start talking with your teammates and you get back into that rhythm, the schedule and everything involved with that," Herbig said. "Even though T.J. and Alex didn't suit up, they're there on the sideline telling me what they see."
And he's able to take that knowledge to the field.
His second sack came on Watt's patented duck-under move, one those two have worked on constantly over the past two seasons.
"I'm just trying to have fun out there because you don't know when your last game is going to be, your last snap is going to be," Herbig said. "You've got to take advantage of your opportunities. I've been fortunate enough, I'm in my second year and I get opportunities because T.J. and Alex are sitting out. I got a start and I tried to take advantage."
• Starting opposite Herbig in this game was defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, which kind of gives some insight into how the team is looking at its No. 4 outside linebacker spot.
In fact, after Herbig lined up at left outside linebacker and Leal on the right side to open the game, they flipped sides on the second series.
Herbig figures to be the backup on both sides, but there might be occasions when both he and Leal are on the field together.
"That's kind of how me and Leal were feeling," Herbig said of the switch. "He wanted to get some rushes on that side and I wanted to get some on the other side, so we talked about it and switched."
• Following the game, I approached fourth-string quarterback John Rhys Plumlee and mentioned that in 32 years of covering the NFL, I didn't think I had ever seen a player return a kickoff and then head straight to the huddle and play quarterback on that same series.
Plumlee, a quarterback by trade, has returned punts and kickoffs throughout the offseason and training camp and has continued to do that in the preseason.
In this particular instance, he broke off a 38-yard return out to midfield, then entered the game at quarterback for the first time in the preseason.
Plumlee knew he was going into the game in place of third-string QB Kyle Allen at that point, so perhaps he was a little extra pumped up.
"Kyle came up to me and said, 'Shoot, every time I'm in there, you don't give me a good return. Now, you're going in and you break one,'" Plumlee said. "It was fun. I'm glad I got to do it."
Plumlee completed 3 of his 4 passes for 32 yards and also ran once for another 4 yards in limited action. But the undrafted rookie got a shot at playing quarterback.
"I've always been a big believer that you prepare for opportunity," Plumlee said. "I've really tried to prepare super hard each week to play quarterback or take the kickoff return, the punt return. I got the opportunity to go out and do it. It was fun. I'm super thankful to be able to go out there and play football. To get to go out and play Q was a ton of fun."
He also got to celebrate a play with Tomlin.
His kick return to midfield happened right in front of the Steelers' bench. And Tomlin was right there to smack him on the helmet at the end of it.
"I loved it. He was fired up when I returned the kick," Plumlee said. "He was right there and he was fired up. It was cool to be excited with him before I went out and played quarterback. He's been unbelievable. I'm so thankful that I've gotten to play under him."
• Tomlin chose not to use Patterson as a kick returner in this preseason, figuring a guy who has nine career kick returns for touchdowns – an NFL record – doesn't need a lot of practice for that.
But his 31-yard touchdown run showed Patterson still has the burst to get through a hole if it's there. He went untouched on his TD run, running away from Detroit's defenders over the final 15 yards.
"I've seen that a lot over the last decade or so," Tomlin said of Patterson, whom the Steelers signed this offseason. "It just hadn't been in the uniform that I've been associated with. So it was pretty cool."
The 33-year-old veteran showed he can not only be a viable option as a kick returner, but as a running back, as well.
• With Nate Herbig done for the season because of a shoulder injury, the Steelers took a look at rookie Mason McCormick at center in this game.
McCormick, the backup center at South Dakota State, has shown throughout this process that he can play guard. But this was his first chance to show he can handle playing center, as well.
"That felt good. It was good to be able to get some reps out there. I'm learning and I'm definitely getting more comfortable out there," McCormick said. " I'll be ready for whatever interior position that I need to get put in at."
That will be critical on game days.
Spencer Anderson also can play center, while Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels, the team's two starting guards, also have center backgrounds. But McCormick showing he can do it in a game setting gives the Steelers another option at the position behind rookie Zach Frazier.
• Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast
• The coaching staff will have to cut the roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. Tuesday. But the team probably won't wait that long in many cases.
This is where there is some gamesmanship that takes place. The Steelers might want to get a player back on their practice squad but also might include him in the first wave of cuts.
Likewise, there might be some players who aren't released right away whom the team isn't interested in keeping.
It's all part of the game as teams try to slip players through waivers so they can sign them back.
And then there also might be some situations where the team sets its 53-man roster on Tuesday, but then makes additional roster moves after seeing who is released by other teams.
The idea is putting together a roster that can head to Atlanta in Week 1 and secure a victory.
• Rookie Beanie Bishop is listed as the No. 1 nickel corner. Veteran Thomas Graham Jr. is second on the depth chart at that position.
But Graham played the entire first half, while Bishop played the spot in the second half.
"You've got to earn opportunity," Tomlin said. "I'm glad that he's healthy. We wanted to give him an opportunity. But when you go in the game, oftentimes it's kind of reflective of the work that you do leading up to performance. And to be quite honest with you, he's had limited availability, so he wasn't deserving of those reps."
We'll see this week if what either put on tape against the Lions is good enough for Tomlin and his staff to be comfortable having either or both of those players in that spot in Atlanta.
If they aren't, a veteran addition once cuts are made could be in the cards.
• Don't get too worked up over some of the poor kick and punt coverage in this game.
Players such as Miles Killebrew and Tyler Matakevich, who figure to be core special teams players, weren't being used in those roles in this game.
In fact, they weren't really used at all, even on defense.
But you can bet that when the ball is kicked off in Atlanta, they – and several other regulars – will be out there.
This was about giving some younger players an opportunity to show they could be assets on special teams. It also was about seeing who might be able to win a roster spot as a future Killebrew or Matakevich, two of the best in the NFL as special teams players.
