Earlier this week when discussing the Steelers' preseason opener against the Houston Texans, head coach Mike Tomlin said he wanted to see his team "make routine plays routinely."
That didn't necessarily happen as much as Tomlin might have liked in the Steelers' 20-12 loss to the Texans.
Botched snaps. Muffed punts. Silly penalties, such as running out of bounds on punt coverage, overthrowing a wide open receiver in the end zone. They were all things that led to a loss.
They're also things that will have Tomlin and his coaching staff hammering this team before it plays its next preseason game next weekend at Acrisure Stadium against the Bills.
To Tomlin's point, there's a reason routine plays are called routine. They're expected to be made. The Steelers, to a large degree, didn't do that enough against the Texans. And that negated anything good that came out of this game.
"Just looking at it from a special teams perspective, the field position and points standpoint was JV," Tomlin said. "We had a block in the back on a kickoff return. From a field position perspective, we ran out of bounds without being forced on a punt that provided awesome field position for them. We had a bad snap on an extra point. We muffed the punt that produced seven points.
"On offense and defense, I thought we were JV on possession down football. Maybe 1 of 7 at one point on offense, not good enough. A couple of those were sacks. We had them in third and long several times on defense, and we lost those downs. We gave up a touchdown on the third and long in the safety rotation."
Tomlin and company have a lot of things to clean up before they play again.
Make no mistake. The Houston Texans are a good football team. And it was obvious they had played a game already while the Steelers were playing their first game.
But that's no excuse for not performing routine things such as the center-quarterback exchange. That's no excuse for running out of bounds on punt coverage on your own as a gunner as Dez Fitzpatrick did. That's no excuse for a bad snap on a PAT that caused that to be missed. That's no excuse for completely muffing a punt as Quez Watkins did, failing to get back on it after it happened.
"You can't play football like that and think you're going to be in games," Tomlin said. "Really it's amazing we had the ball in a one-score game at the end when you consider those things."
• The center-quarterback exchange issues are about as fundamental as it gets.
But the Steelers botched two of them on their first two possessions.
"For whatever reason, I didn't give him the snap clean and that's my fault," said center Nate Herbig. "I can't even really get into it. I killed both the series by myself. I was detrimental to the offense on both drives. I take full responsibility for that. I didn't give them a chance to play ball because of the bad plays. I've got to fix that."
Fields took responsibility, as well.
"We've just got to be on the same page," Fields said. "I will put that on me to just be on the same page and know who's in at center, know how to adjust and what I need to do next in the game."
Tomlin agreed that both were the issue.
"From my perspective, that's dual responsibility on the center and the quarterback," Tomlin said. "It negated a lot of good things going on in those first couple of drives. I think one definitively got stopped by it, went to second-and-14.
"You get behind the chains, particularly at the early stages before you gain real cohesion and have enough of a menu to get you out of those circumstances, you're a dead group. So the C-Q exchanges were an issue."
• Both Fields and third-string quarterback Kyle Allen threw the ball well.
The duo combined to complete 22 of 29 passes for 260 yards with one touchdown and one interception, that coming from Allen late in the game while trying to mount a comeback in the closing minute.
We got a good look at new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme. The Steelers used play-action. They moved the pocket. They threw the ball out of three-tight end packages. They utilized a fullback as a lead blocker. The screen game was used prominently.
Most importantly, both quarterbacks threw in good rhythm.
"No question. I thought he and we did some good things, but it was just dulled by some of the negativity," Tomlin said. "From a rhythm passing standpoint, distributing the ball to people, I thought he and Kyle did a nice job. I don't like the sacks and the one-dimensional possession down moments. We've got to analyze that. But from a rhythm passing standpoint, certainly."
The Steelers averaged 11.8 yards per reception as a whole and the quarterbacks averaged a healthy 9.0 yards per pass attempt.
Last season, they averaged 10.6 yards per catch and the quarterbacks averaged 6.8 yards per pass attempt.
It's just one game, but that's a nice start.
• Beanie Bishop and Fitzpatrick got the first opportunities to be gunners on punt coverage. And while it was the first game, both had their issues.
Not only did Fitzpatrick run out of bounds on his own, drawing a penalty, he did so and overran return man Tank Dell, helping set up a 22-yard return.
Likewise, Bishop was the first guy down the field on the Steelers' first punt, but couldn't get Steven Sims on the ground inside the 10, and Sims wound up picking up 18 yards out to the 23-yard line.
Veterans Miles Boykin and James Pierre were the team's gunners last season. And both were good, with Boykin proving to be one of the best in the NFL at it.
The Steelers upgraded at punter this season with Cameron Johnston replacing Pressley Harvin at the position. But if the gunners aren't up to snuff, it might all be for naught.
Those two were better on later reps. But their first two shots at it didn't make anyone forget Boykin.
• Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith didn't play in this game, while Markus Golden, signed earlier in the week to provide depth at outside linebacker, retired before the game.
But some of the depth players up front looked good. Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon and Kyron Johnson were all very active at outside linebacker.
On the defensive line, Montravius Adams and DeMarvin Leal stood out as the Steelers really slammed the door on Houston's running game and did a good job pressuring the quarterback.
"Honestly, I think we grew, a lot of the guys that were here last year," said Adams. "I just think we're just going to keep getting better. A lot of the young guys, took that step. We've just got to continue growing.
"You saw Leal, moving from inside to outside, getting a sack inside, getting great rushes outside. That's growth. I'm just proud to see the guys (do that)."
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)
• We got our first in-stadium look at the new kickoff rule, but it didn't necessarily show anyone hoping to figure it out a whole lot.
The average starting position for both teams off kickoffs was the 27.1-yard line. But that was skewed by the Texans inexplicably squibbing the ball well short of the "landing zone" inside the 20 and a holding penalty on rookie Ryan Watts. Those two plays gave the Steelers starting position at the 40 and the 14 as a result of those two plays.
Take those two extremes out of the equation and the average starting position on the other five kickoffs was still the 27.2-yard line.
Not exactly dynamic.
"It was about what I expected," Tomlin said. "I didn't like the penalty obviously that we picked up, but we dipped our toe in the water. We got some first-hand exposure to it, so we'll build upon it."
That's going to be the key with that rule. Nobody is going to show anything too crazy in the preseason. You want to save that for the regular season.
• The team's rookie class dipped its collective toe in the water – to steal a phrase from Tomlin – as well in this game.
There was some good. There was some bad. It was what you'd expect to see from players competing in the NFL for the first time, even in the preseason.
"You're going against the best in the world. Every play you've got to bring your best," said linebacker Payton Wilson. "When you don't, you will get exposed. At the end of the day, ball is ball to me. No matter who I'm playing against. I'm going to treat it like football."
Wilson led the Steelers with six tackles in this game, but he also missed a couple.
The young offensive linemen, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick all looked good as run blockers. But pass protection will continue to be a work in progress, as expected.
The good thing is that this group as a whole seems to have the right attitude.
"I'm always pretty hard on myself, so I always think I can do better," said Frazier.
• Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast
• The pecking order at wide receiver behind George Pickens might be taking shape.
Watkins didn't help himself by struggling as a punt returner.
But Van Jefferson had a 20-yard catch working opposite Pickens and could have had another catch along the sideline if Fields had thrown the ball out in front of him instead of a little behind – his only sub-par throw.
Calvin Austin III had two receptions for 49 yards. Scotty Miller had three receptions for 47 yards and threw his body around as a blocker despite being just 174 pounds. Fitzpatrick had a 34-yard catch and worked with the first unit on all of the special teams units.
That doesn't mean some of the other players are out of the mix. There's still two more preseason games to be played.
• Russell Wilson should be a full participant in practice when the Steelers return to the field.
It will be good to see the Steelers' presumptive starter at quarterback on the field next week when they host the Bills in their second preseason game.
Wilson ramped things up slowly over the past week after sitting out the first week of training camp practices, doing a little more each day.
The Steelers also activated running back/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson off the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List before Friday's game, so he should be ready to return to the practice field, as well.
• Tomlin wasn't happy about the defense allowing the Texans to win some possession downs. For example, Houston's first touchdown came on a third-and-8 play.
But overall, Houston was just 5 of 13 on third downs.
You'd like to think that if Heyward, Watt, Highsmith, inside linebacker Patrick Queen and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are out there, perhaps the Texans don't hit that 34-yard touchdown pass and Tomlin feels a little differently.
He won't use that as an excuse. Tomlin expects the 11 players he puts on the field to get the job done.
But not having nearly half of the starting defense on the field just might have made a little bit of a difference.
