Lions Defense Shines Rookie Quarterbacks Impress

Steelers Fall to Lions in Preseason Opener

Lions Defense Shines, Rookie Quarterbacks Impress

Lions 24, Steelers 17

DETROIT (AP) — Rookie quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson led touchdown drives for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it wasn't enough as the Detroit Lions defense held on for a 24-17 victory in the preseason opener for both teams Saturday night.

Fields, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, completed 7 of 12 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. Wilson, acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Denver Broncos this offseason, went 9 of 15 for 83 yards and an interception.

The Lions defense forced three turnovers, including two interceptions off Wilson, and held the Steelers to just 281 yards of total offense.

• Fields led the Steelers on a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on their opening possession, capped by a 1-yard TD run by running back Najee Harris.
• Wilson threw his lone interception on the Steelers' next possession, which the Lions turned into a field goal to tie the game at 7-7.
• The Lions took the lead for good on a 31-yard touchdown run by running back Cordarrelle Patterson late in the first quarter.
• Wilson led the Steelers on a 13-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter, which was capped by a 1-yard TD pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth.
• The Lions defense came up with a big play late in the third quarter, when cornerback Amani Oruwariye intercepted a pass from Wilson and returned it to the Steelers' 7-yard line.
• The Lions turned the turnover into a touchdown three plays later on a 1-yard run by running back Jamaal Williams.

The Steelers had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but kicker Chris Boswell missed a 48-yard field goal attempt.

The Steelers and Lions will both be back in action next week for their second preseason games. The Steelers will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, Aug. 26, while the Lions will travel to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Aug. 27.