The Saints forced the Steelers into a third down quickly on the next Steelers possession, but Antonio Brown beat Saints corner De’Vante Harris for a 57-yard score that extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 14-0.
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“We were looking for some production and he gave us some production”, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of Roethlisberger, who completed 12 of 17 passes.
Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell also made his preseason debut, gaining 21 yards on three carries, but his lost fumble in the second quarter – forced by cornerback Delvin Breaux and recovered by linebacker Dannell Ellerbe – led to Drew Brees’ only TD pass. Brees’ strike went to Willie Snead, who made a hard juggling catch as he landed on his back following a collision near the back of the end zone.
The starting offensive line gave another terrible performance in a preseason that has been loaded with them.
Brady relieved Jimmy Garoppolo late in the first quarter and completed a 37-yard pass to Aaron Dobson on his first play from scrimmage, leading to a field goal. Saints starting left tackle Terron Armstead left the field with a first-quarter injury after committing a holding penalty. Rookie running back Daniel Lasco took a huge hit on a helmet-to-helmet tackle by linebacker Vince Williams in the fourth quarter but walked with assistance to the locker room.The Steelers lost at least three players: starting defensive end Cameron Heyward (right foot/ankle), starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert (elbow) and backup safety Seamark Thomas (groin).
Preseason games don’t always matter that much – and the Saints’ offense is sure to find its rhythm eventually.
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The talented receiver with a history of suspensions for drug violations caught everything thrown his way in his preseason debut Friday night, scoring on a 43-yard reception and also hauling in another pass from Robert Griffin III for a 44-yard gain that led to a first quarter field goal in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First-round pick CB Artie Burns still has not played (left quadriceps). The Steelers have some positions to sort out still but I think this game is New Orleans’ to lose as they are at home and will likely see more of their first unit than the Steelers here.
