Steelers Preseason Week Two Checklist Review

After rewatching the Steelers’ 17-14 loss to the Buccaneers in their first home game of the new season, in what was an overall sloppy display from all three units for the black and gold, there is certainly plenty to dive into. But as promised, I will be focusing on reviewing the checklist I set out for the team prior to the showdown.

If you want to see the goals I had set out for the Steelers in their second preseason match, check it out here for a bit more context. If you are all caught up, buckle up because we are going to crack into it now.

One of the UDFA WRs to make their case for the roster

It was a quiet day out for the two guys who showed up and showed out in the first preseason game vs the Jaguars, Max Hurleman and Ke’Shawn Williams. Hurleman had 0 receptions on 3 targets and dropped what would have been a surefire touchdown, as he was wide open in the back of the end zone and the ball blasted through his hands. Williams saw a reduction in snaps, playing 14 total, 8 of which were in the pass game, and as mentioned, he did not see the ball come his way.

The other name mentioned in the previous article was rookie Roc Taylor, who actually had a really nice day that was not fully reflected in his numbers. He finished with 39 yards on 3 receptions, but if Logan Woodside had been more accurate, Taylor could have easily had 5 catches for 70+ yards and a touchdown, as he was consistently winning deep and one of those plays would have been a score. Unfortunately for him, he was released by the Steelers today, which spells the end of his chances to make the 53-man roster.

Target: Missed

We have signed DB Kam Alexander, LS Jake McQuaide, and OT Julian Pearl & released LB Devin Harper, WR Roc Taylor and DT Breiden Fehoko. @BordasLaw https://t.co/2yw20fU49k

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 18, 2025

Kaleb Johnson Adapts To The Pro Level

As I discussed, I could not stand the discourse around Kaleb Johnson this past week prior to the Bucs game, because sections of the fan base were already calling him a bust. In my opinion, he adapted to the game a bit more this past weekend, as he was clearly more decisive when given the opportunity with the rock in his hands. His cuts were sharper and showed some of that vision that made him one of the most explosive runners in college football last year.

By the numbers, the rookie had 11 carries for 50 yards at 4.5 yards per carry, which is right about where you want it to be. He managed to rip one for 14 yards and was more often than not looking to bounce it, which was different from when Najee Harris used to do it, because Johnson has the burst to get around the edge. There are still a few things to clean up for No. 20 as we enter the season, such as staying decisive and becoming more consistent in the pass game, whether in protection or as a receiver, but Saturday was a step in the right direction.

Target: Reached

If you watch this and then try to tell me that Kaleb Johnson is Najee Harris 2.0, you my friend need to go schedule an appointment with your eye doctor ASAP.
🎥 cred: @HaydenWinks
pic.twitter.com/zhULyKFjsD

— Jeremy Betz (@thebetz93) August 18, 2025

Pass Rush Showing Signs Of Life

The pass rush was overall less effective from a pressure standpoint this past weekend, but for me a lot of that can be justified because the “starters” like Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton had fewer pass rushing snaps, while some of the second and third-string linemen were given further opportunities. So for me, I can look at it two ways. The first is that Derrick Harmon looked much improved this weekend, getting his first sack as a pro in stadium, and did so in freakish fashion, which is beyond exciting for the Steelers. Or you can look at the rest of the group, who provided little to no production with just 10 pressures and no hits outside of the first-round pick.

I do not know that I can say the target was reached, because as a unit the defensive line and edges were not dominant from a pass rush standpoint. But I really saw what I wanted to see, which was No. 99 looking too good for his opposition.

Target: Missed

I thought Derrick Harmon was good on Saturday, so I went back and watched. I was wrong…Derrick Harmon was VERY GOOD on Saturday pic.twitter.com/feCMSJHcXE

— Zachary Smith (@ZacharySmithPGH) August 18, 2025

So in review, it seems like the Steelers missed two of the three goals I had set out for them in this second preseason game, but as I have claimed, there were no doubt positives from specific players who will be important this coming season for the Black and Gold. However, as always, the most important thing is what you guys think. Let me know in the comments if you agree with my analysis of our first Steelers Checklist.