Let's dive into the winners and losers of the Pittsburgh Steelers' impressive preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. This game offered a glimpse into the future of the team, with some young players stepping up and making their mark.
Winners
Asante Samuel Jr.: The Shutdown Corner
Asante Samuel Jr. had a standout performance, showcasing his ball skills and coverage abilities. He disrupted passes and demonstrated a keen awareness of the game. Samuel's strong showing suggests he could be a valuable asset, especially in sub-package roles, and his health and consistency will be key to unlocking his potential.
Germie Bernard: The Stadium Performer
Germie Bernard, a training camp standout, translated his skills to the stadium. He navigated zone coverage, displayed reliable hands, and showcased his strength with broken tackles. Bernard's ability to create yards after catch (YAC) is a valuable asset, and his performance tonight generated buzz and excitement.
Will Howard: The Poised Quarterback
Will Howard, making his first in-stadium appearance since 2025, impressed with his accuracy and touch. He shined in the two-minute drill, connecting with receivers and nearly scoring a touchdown. Howard's ability to meet key moments and complete passes under pressure bodes well for his future.
Lew Nichols: The Hard-Charging Running Back
Lew Nichols continued his aggressive style of play, pushing the pile and gaining yards after contact. He converted a crucial fourth down and showed versatility in his running style. Nichols' performance suggests he could be a valuable asset and a contender for a roster spot.
Kaden Wetjen: The Return Specialist
Kaden Wetjen, a fourth-round draft pick, showcased his talent as a return specialist. He broke tackles and created opportunities, coming close to scoring on a long completion. Wetjen's ability to create space and make defenders miss is a valuable asset, and his performance justified the team's early draft selection.
Drew Allar: The Accurate Passer
Drew Allar followed Howard's lead, displaying impressive accuracy and timing. His first completion was a beauty, a long catch-and-run to Wetjen. Allar's ability to make on-time throws and his performance in the short and intermediate game address concerns from his college tape.
Daylen Everette: The Quiet Contributor
Daylen Everette, a rookie, held his own and contributed to the defense. While his performance wasn't as flashy as some, he was competitive in coverage and solid in run support. Everette's consistent play bodes well for the future, and his performance reflects a promising rookie class.
Losers
Discipline and Penalties: A Sloppy Display
The Steelers' penalty issues were a concern, with 11 penalties for 143 yards. This lack of discipline is a cause for frustration and indicates a need for improvement. The team must clean up their act to avoid costly mistakes in future games.
Kaleb Johnson: Losing Ground
Kaleb Johnson's lack of offensive snaps and touches is a worrying sign. He struggled to gain yards when given the opportunity, and his performance suggests he may not fit into Mike McCarthy's scheme. Johnson's future with the team is uncertain, and a trade or release later this month seems a likely outcome.
Troy Fautanu: Rust and Inconsistency
Troy Fautanu had a mixed performance, allowing pressure and picking up penalties. While there are mitigating circumstances, Fautanu's inconsistency and need to knock off rust are concerns. He'll need to improve to secure a starting role.
In conclusion, this preseason game offered a glimpse into the Steelers' future, with some young players making their mark. The winners showcased their talent and potential, while the losers highlighted areas for improvement. It's an exciting time for the team, and fans will eagerly await the next preseason game to see how these players develop further.
