3 winners (and 3 losers) from Steelers' ugly preseason loss vs. Texans

The Steelers’ preseason opener offered a first glimpse of what’s to come this season—and it wasn’t all pretty. The Steelers kicked off their preseason with a Friday night game against the Houston Texans, falling short with a 20-12 loss.

As is typical in early preseason action, the game was marked by some sloppy play, particularly from the first-team offense as they worked to shake off the rust. Despite the overall struggles, there were both standout performances and areas of concern. Here are three winners and losers from the Steelers' first preseason game.

Three Winners:

Payton Wilson

One standout player was Payton Wilson, who played with relentless intensity as if his hair was on fire. His speed was evident, constantly positioning him near the ball, and he made an immediate impact with a tackle for loss on his first play.

Over the course of his time on the field, he racked up six tackles, showcasing a strong outing in his first preseason game.

DeMarvin Leal

For a player who needed a strong training camp and preseason, he has certainly risen to the occasion. Pittsburgh has been counting on the former third-round pick to take the next step and secure a spot on the team, and Friday night he delivered. Leal not only recorded a sack but also consistently disrupted plays.

Showing versatility by playing both Outside Linebacker and Defensive Line, a strong summer performance could make it difficult for the team to leave him off the final 53-man roster.

Kyron Johnson

Johnson made two crucial stops during the Texans' attempt to run out the clock, which played a key role in giving the Steelers' offense another chance to tie the game. His standout performance has intensified the competition for the 4th outside linebacker spot, especially after Markus Golden's unexpected retirement just hours before kickoff.

3 Losers:

Quez Watkins

For a player on the bubble, the first preseason game was far from an ideal opportunity to impress the coaching staff and front office. Serving as the Steelers' starting punt returner, he muffed a punt and showed a lackluster effort in trying to recover the ball. The Texans capitalized on the turnover, turning it into a touchdown, which certainly didn’t help his chances of securing a roster spot.

Troy Fautanu

The Steelers' first-round pick experienced a true "Welcome to the NFL" moment when Texans free-agent signing Danielle Hunter quickly beat Fautanu on the edge, resulting in a sack. While Fautanu performed well against the run, he'll need to refine his pass protection skills if he hopes to secure a starting spot in Week 1.

Justin Fields/Nate Herbig

I’ve included both players here because they both share responsibility for the two failed snaps. It's unacceptable to have two botched snaps under center, as each one significantly stalled drives.