The 2024 preseason is in the books. After making challenging decisions to trim their roster down to just 53 players after the NFL cutdown deadline, the focus of the Pittsburgh Steelers is getting ready to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
While we can't mistake the preseason as an exact replication of what we will be getting in the NFL, there are several performances worth mentioning -- both for good and for bad. Some performances have Steelers fans glowing with confidence while others have us more than a little concerned.
Here are the three biggest winners and three biggest losers of the Steelers' 2024 preseason.
Biggest winners from Steelers 2024 preseason:
1. Nick Herbig, EDGE
Nick Herbig gets my Steelers Preseason MVP award, and it's not particularly close. After flashing as a rookie in 2023, Herbig was electrifying on nearly every snap of his second preseason campaign. His outstanding blend of quickness, bend, speed, and pass-rush moves were on full display. Herbig earned four sacks in the preseason (including a strip-sack in the preseason finale vs. Lions) and routinely looked like the best player on the field.
2. Cory Trice Jr., CB
Cory Trice lost his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear. For most seventh-round picks, this would be the dagger for careers... but not for Trice. After missing the entire 2023 preseason, Trice played the 2024 preseason like he had never skipped a beat. The athletic cornerback recorded two tackles for loss and a run stop. In coverage, the talented CB allowed just 5 receiving yards in three games.
3. Keeanu Benton, DL
Keeanu Benton is going to be a force to be reckoned with. During his rookie season, Benton was incredibly disruptive as a pass rusher, but it didn't equate to much production. During the preseason, Benton's game took a step forward. The young defensive lineman tossed offensive linemen to the side while recording back-to-back sacks against Bills and Lions in limited action to close the preseason.
Biggest losers from Steelers 2024 preseason:
1. Broderick Jones, OT
Broderick Jones' 2024 preseason was a nightmare that couldn't end fast enough. Entering his second year in the NFL, the Steelers played Jones primarily at right tackle. He didn't look anything like the first-round offensive tackle who offered promise during his rookie season. Jones was humiliated by Bills pass rusher Greg Rousseau in Week 2 of the preseason. Jones' elbow injury may be more serious than the team is leading on because he packed no punch on impact in exhibition action.
2. Calvin Austin III, WR
I was disappointed that we didn't see a bigger preseason performance from Calvin Austin III. After missing his entire rookie preseason in 2022, Austin showed flashes last year. Entering year three, it looked like Austin could be in line for a big role. However, outside of an explosive play against the Texans in the preseason opener, Austin was non-existent and didn't do much to offer hope for Steelers fans at the wide receiver position.
3. Beanie Bishop Jr.
Beanie Bishop first earned starting reps early in training camp. Unfortunately, this proved to be more by default than anything else. A lack of competition at slot cornerback gave Bishop a big opportunity to prove himself, but he had a rough preseason and struggled in coverage. The undrafted rookie free agent began his summer as a training camp star but finished as an afterthought.