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Pittsburgh Steelers Stumble at Home, Buffalo Bills Secure Victory in Low-Scoring Affair

In a contest where defensive prowess was the order of the day and scoring opportunities were scarce, the Pittsburgh Steelers succumbed to a narrow defeat against the Buffalo Bills, with the scoreboard reading 9-3 at game's end. This early season matchup left the Steelers searching for their first win, as their record dipped to 0-1, while the Bills took an initial step in the right direction, improving their standing to 1-0.


Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) scrambles with the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

The defensive unit of Pittsburgh displayed commendable tenacity, with linebacker Nick Herbig leading from the front. Herbig's standout performance included an impressive tally of 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss within his overall contribution of four combined tackles. Safety Miles Killebrew also made his presence felt by intercepting a pass and defending another, underscoring Pittsburgh's defensive fortitude against Buffalo's offensive attempts. In terms of special teams efforts, punter Cameron Johnston had a notable outing with five punts traveling a total distance of 284 yards and successfully pinning two within the opponent's 20-yard line.


On offense, however, Pittsburgh encountered stiff resistance from Buffalo's defense which stifled any momentum they attempted to generate. Quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields managed to amass only 139 passing yards between them but failed to navigate their team across into scoring territory effectively. The ground game fared no better with Najee Harris leading in rushing yards at a modest total of 17 on four carries.


Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell kicks a 43-yard field goal with Cameron Johnston (5) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Buffalo found ways to notch points on the board despite facing a similarly unyielding defense from Pittsburgh. Their points came via three field goals spread across four quarters in what unfolded as a predominantly defensive duel.


Looking forward, Pittsburgh is set on regrouping as they prepare for an away game against Detroit Lions at Ford Field scheduled for August 24th at 1:00 PM EDT. This preseason encounter will be broadcast live on NFL Network as both teams vie for an early triumph in their respective campaigns.



Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
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