The Buffalo Bills picked up their first win of the 2024 campaign as they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 9-3 in Week 2. Saturday night was all about the debut of new Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson. He led five drives, scored zero points and completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards. Wilson struggled with the pressure Buffalo’s defensive front threw at him and was sacked three times.
Justin Fields was replaced on two occasions in the two-minute drill before halftime, and on one of those possessions, Chris Boswell led the Steelers 46 yards down the field in seven plays for a 43-yard field goal. Overall, he completed 11 of 17 passes for 92 yards and led the team with 42 rushing yards. Fields had several chances to lead game-winning drives, but Pittsburgh turned the ball over on all three of its second-half possessions.
As the final score suggests, this isn’t a matchup with two high-flying offenses. In fact, we didn’t see ourselves cross the 50-yard line until six minutes into the second quarter. Josh Allen was supposed to start this preseason game, but when the Bills offense took the field, it was former Steeler Mitch Trubisky under center. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 86 yards and threw a bad interception in the first half, but led a field goal drive. Rookie running back Ray Davis stood out with 58 rushing yards on eight carries.
Let’s talk about some things learned on Saturday night.
Steelers QB competition
It was the headline of the evening as Steelers fans got their first glimpse of Russ in game action. He certainly didn’t spark the offense, as Pittsburgh scored three on its first two possessions and four on its first possession. While Wilson looked spry in the pocket, the offensive line struggled defensively. As for Fields, he came in and led a quick drive that resulted in a field goal on his second possession — spurred by his 20th.
The elusiveness of the fields stood out. The younger signal-caller was able to step out of the pocket and survey his targets downstream for a few extra seconds. It remains to be seen how effective the Steelers’ regular season starting offensive line will be, but having a mobile quarterback will certainly help your offense.
The fields are not perfect. He almost had an interception in the fourth quarter and missed TJ Luther. He had three chances to take the lead but was unable to do so. If you’re a Steelers fan, you don’t usually feel big on the quarterback battle.
Game of the game
Fields is one of those electric playmakers who can surprise you at any moment. Check out this incredible third-down conversion where he escaped a sack and completed a pass to Tess Fitzpatrick to move the sticks.
Jaylen Warren was injured
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren Left the game in the first half with a hamstring injuryand was officially listed as doubtful to return. As you might have guessed, he never returned. Warren caught two passes for 14 yards before leaving the game.
It remains to be seen how serious the injury is, but a “questionable” designation is much better than his immediate discharge.
Ray Davies
The fourth-round pick out of Kentucky was fast and elusive on Saturday night. On the first drive of the second half — a 10-play, 63-yard drive that resulted in a field goal — Davis rushed for 49 yards on six carries. He is a fun player to watch and is trying to carve out a role for himself.
In fact, the Bills’ entire rushing offense looked fantastic in the second half. 167 of Buffalo’s 245 yards of total offense came on the ground.
Greg Rousseau
Greg Russo was an absolute animal on Saturday night. In the first three possessions of the Steelers game, he recorded four total tackles, 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and three QB hits.
The Bills picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal this offseason — 30th overall — for the next two years in Buffalo. In 2023, Russo recorded five sacks, a career-high 12 tackles for loss and 18 QB hits. What does 2024 have in store for him?
What’s next?
The Steelers close out the season next Saturday in Detroit against the Lions. As for the Bills, they return to Buffalo on Saturday to host the Carolina Panthers.
