The Steelers have fans feeling very optimistic following their 27-15 win over the Bills. Here are the three biggest takeaways from the team's second preseason action.
There is a controversy brewing in Pittsburgh for who the RB1 should be in 2023. Najee Harris, the Steelers' 2021 first-round pick, has underwhelmed while backup RB Jaylen Warren, an undrafted free agent in 2022, has done the opposite, scoring a 62-yard touchdown against the Bills on Saturday.
62-YARD TOUCHDOWN‼️ @Nunless2
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 19, 2023
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/T87FSng3KS pic.twitter.com/SxDA8N6VMs
However, QB Kenny Pickett is thankful to have both players on his team and believes they are the perfect complement to each other.
"Some guys just have a knack for making plays and Jaylen's one of them," Pickett told reporters after the game. "It's kind of like thunder and lightning with him and Najee. I think those two have a really good balance off each other. They both do great things. They both do things differently and it's great to have that combination in the backfield."
Wide receiver Calvin Austin III continued to impress following his impressive debut when he was the Steelers' leading receiver and rusher with 96 all-purpose yards. However, we didn't get to see him in the return game. That wasn't the case in his second preseason action.
Austin III showcased his 4.32-second 40-yard dash speed once again when he almost took a punt return to the house.
Watch @CalvinAustinIII accelerate
— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2023
: Stream #BUFvsPIT on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/7xU01aJCWa
Pittsburgh has been missing next-level speed for years now and the team will likely use its new weapon all over the field in 2023.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was held out of the Steelers' first preseason game due to injury, but his NFL debut was certainly one for the books. Playing in front of his dad, Joey Porter, who played linebacker for Pittsburgh for eight seasons (1999-2006), Porter Jr. secured his first interception.
.@JoeyPorterJr has an interception!
— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2023
: Stream #BUFvsPIT on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySmuK pic.twitter.com/fqGTUU3wIX
One of Porter Jr.'s biggest knocks coming out of Penn State was that he had just one interception during his collegiate career. Now the No. 32 overall pick already has one in his first game. Porter Jr. shared a special moment with his dad following his interception.
Proud dad moment ❤️ @JoeyPorterJr pic.twitter.com/7TTkkceiaC
— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2023
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