Steelers Showdown Against the Lions: Key Preseason Matchups

Saturday, 24 August 2024, 17:40

Steelers fans should prepare for an intriguing matchup as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Detroit Lions this afternoon. The Steelers have much to prove as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season. Key players to watch include Hendon Hooker and Jake Bates, as they strive to secure vital positions before the opening game.

Steelers vs. Lions: A Game to Remember

The Detroit Lions finish their preseason slate of games this afternoon hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field. It’s a chance for all the backup and roster hopefuls to make one last impression before the team trims the roster from 90 to an initial 53 next week.

1. Home Baking

The team is finally back in the friendly confines of Ford Field after playing their first two preseason games on the road. The last time the Lions were in Ford Field the atmosphere was absolutely electric as Detroit beat Tampa Bay to earn a place in the NFC Championship Game. Something tells me it will be a livelier crowd than what we typically see in the preseason.

2. Final Audition

Head coach Dan Campbell said this week there are still about five or six roster spots up for grabs, but there’s countless more playing roles that need to be finalized before the Lions host the Rams on Sept. 8. There are a number of position battles to keep an eye on today. Top among them is the backup quarterback job, wide receiver No. 4, tight end No. 3, and long snapper.

3. Quarterback Situations

The Lions and Steelers still have question marks at quarterback, but they are very different situations. Jared Goff is the starter in Detroit, no doubt about that, and we’re not expected to see him play today. We will likely see Hendon Hooker get the start as he’s competing with Nate Sudfeld to be Goff’s backup come the regular season.

4. Bates’ Last Tune-Up

Jake Bates might have a little déjà vu stepping into Ford Field today. It should certainly feel like home for him. He played his home games there all spring for the Michigan Panthers of the UFL and made a ton of big kicks in the building. Bates is 5-for-5 kicking field goals for the Lions in the preseason but did miss an extra point try in Kansas City last week.

5. Get Out Healthy

We aren’t expected to see any of the Lions’ core starters, but keep in mind that a team’s depth is usually challenged at some point in a long 17-game schedule. Last week we saw players like Dan Skipper, Kayode Awosika, Michael Niese, Josh Paschal, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Ifeatu Melifonwu play against the Chiefs. Those players are the depth along the offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, and secondary.

For more updates on this exciting steal of a game, stay tuned!

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