The Pittsburgh Steelers won their first preseason game of 2014 Saturday night against the Buffalo Bills as kicker Shaun Suisham kicked a 20-yard-field goal as time expired.
Suisham’s game winner was set up by a fumble recovery made by rookie undrafted linebacker Howard Jones following a sack of Bills quarterback Jeff Tuel by outside linebacker Vic So’oto. Jones returned the ball 19 yards to Bills one-yard line and Suisham kicked home the game-winner one play later.
The Steelers win was highlighted by the debut of rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier, who registered nine defensive tackles and two special teams tackles in the game to go along with an interception.
Shazier, the Steelers first-round draft pick out of Ohio State, missed the preseason opener last Saturday night with a bruised knee, but looked no worse for wear against the Bills.
The Steelers first-team offense looked sharp against the Bills as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was 8-of-11 passing for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Antonio Brown caught one of those two touchdown passes on a 76-yard score while second year wide receiver Markus Wheaton caught the other one from 16 yards out on a great throw by Roethlisberger.
Rookie running back Dri Archer registered another explosive play as he took a short pass from backup quarterback Landry Jones down the right side for 40 yards.
It wasn’t a great night for Jones, however, as he was 2-of-5 passing for 53 yards with an interception and a fumble.
The Steelers got out of the game without many injuries. Head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that guard Bryant Browning did suffer a dislocated shoulder, however.
The Steelers now have a short week following the win as they will next play the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday night on the road.
