It was not the kind of preseason opener that will make Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff happy when watching the replay.
The Steelers made multiple mistakes in their preseason opener, consistently beating themselves, as they dropped a 20-12 decision to the Houston Texans before a crowd of 63,194 at Acrisure Stadium to kick off their 2024 preseason schedule at Acrisure Stadium.
Tomlin said earlier this week he wanted to see his offense come out and be efficient and play mistake-free football in the opener, particularly on offense, where the team is learning new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme.
That didn't necessarily happen, as botched snaps and sacks plagued the unit early.
"It's disappointing," said Tomlin. "How we work off of it will define us. We'll have a good rep at responding to negativity as we push into our next opportunity. We need to be significantly better. (That is) taking nothing away from the Houston Texans. It was nothing that they did. It was about the things that we didn't do, or the wounds we inflicted to ourselves."
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 1 preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (81) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ryan Watts (29) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ryan Watts (29) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Aaron Shampklin (33) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Matthew Wright (8) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Daijun Edwards (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (21) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon (49) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon (49) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Kalon Barnes (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Elliott (34) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Daijun Edwards (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Daijun Edwards (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Elliott (34) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jacoby Windmon (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Daijun Edwards (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon (49) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Daijun Edwards (31) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon (49) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Daijun Edwards (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Grayland Arnold (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (74) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon (49) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen (4) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Julius Welschof (48) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Harrison Barden / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The good news for Tomlin and his staff is that there is still a month remaining before the Steelers open the regular season at Atlanta to iron out some of the kinks.
The Texans, who had already played a preseason game, having taken part in the Hall of Fame game, looked like a team that had a game under its belt as they ended the Steelers' 6-game preseason winning streak.
The Steelers' first-team offense, minus left guard Isaac Seumalo and quarterback Russell Wilson, who were among those sitting out, moved the ball effectively twice across midfield in the three possessions it played, but mistakes caused those drives to stall.
Justin Fields, starting in place of Wilson, connected on a 15-yard pass to George Pickens that went to the Houston 47 on the Steelers' opening drive. But Fields couldn't handle a snap under center from Nick Herbig on the next play, and the Steelers lost five yards, stalling the possession.
The Steelers had another botched snap on the first play of their next possession, but that was recovered by fullback Jack Colletto for a 4-yard gain. Fields, however, was sacked on third down by Danielle Hunter, forcing the Steelers to punt.
Houston got a 22-yard return on the punt from Tank Dell and turned that into points, as quarterback C.J. Stroud, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year connected with Dell on a 34-yard touchdown pass down the seam to give the Texans a 7-0 lead.
The Steelers did not play outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, defensive tackle Cam Heyward, inside linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on defense.
The Steelers began the next possession at their own 14 after rookie Ryan Watts was called for holding on the kickoff, but Fields moved the team to the Houston 36 before he was sacked again, again ending the threat.
Kyle Allen entered the game after Fields left, and led the Steelers from their own 27 to the Houston 1. But on third-and-goal from the 1, Jonathan Ward was stopped for a 1-yard loss, and Allen's fourth-down pass to a wide-open Calvin Austin III in the back corner of the end zone sailed over the receiver's head, turning the ball over on downs.
"The way the DBs were playing, I wasn't sure if the DBs were going to in and out and pass off their guys," said Allen. "At the last second, they passed him off and he took it high. I've just got to give him a better ball. I threw it too deep for him."
"We spend a lot of time working in that area of the field from a team development standpoint," said Tomlin, referring to the team's "7-Shots" drill it uses to open practice every day. "We feel really comfortable being really aggressive under those circumstances. We had a guy open. We didn't finish it."
The Steelers got a three-and-out following the turnover on downs, but on the ensuing punt, Quez Watkins muffed the kick at his own 28 and the Texans recovered.
Five plays later, Dare Ogunbowale took a pitch around left end and got into the end zone from 4 yards out to give the Texans a 14-0 advantage with just under four minutes remaining in the half.
The Texans then added a 36-yard Kai Fairbairn field goal as time expired at the half to take a 17-0 lead into the locker room.
The Steelers finally got on the board with 4:31 remaining in the third quarter, as Allen directed a 10-play scoring drive, including connecting with Austin twice for 49 yards. The Steelers got into the end zone on a 6-yard pass from Allen to tight end Connor Heyward. But a high snap caused the PAT to be missed by Matthew Wright, and Houston's lead was cut to 17-6.
The Texans, however, answered with a field goal drive, picking up 43 yards to get a 51-yard field goal from Fairbairn to stretch their lead to 20-6 with 12 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Allen led another touchdown drive on the Steelers' next possession, hitting Scotty Miller for a 38-yard pass to help set up a 1-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Daijun Edwards. But La'Mical Perine was stopped short of the end zone on a two-point conversion and the Steelers settled for cutting the Houston lead to 20-12 with 12:47 remaining in the game.
The Texans drove deep into Pittsburgh territory on the ensuing possession, but Fairbairn missed a 32-yard field goal, keeping the lead at 20-12 with 3:53 remaining in the game.
Allen, signed as the third-string quarterback this offseason behind Wilson and Fields, finished 17 of 23 for 193 yards and one touchdown with one interception, while Edwards led the team with 28 yards on three rushing attempts.
Rookie inside linebacker Payton Wilson paced the Steelers defense with six tackles, while outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon had five tackles and a sack.
