The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a 24-17 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions on Saturday afternoon at Ford Field in Detroit, as the preseason comes to a close. Despite the loss, several Steelers players showcased their potential, while some lingering concerns emerged ahead of the regular season.

Starting off on a positive note, quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields demonstrated their ability to lead the Steelers to touchdowns. Wilson made the most of his one drive, completing all of his passes for 26 yards, including a crucial 3rd-and-11 conversion. Fields, on the other hand, went 3 for 4 for 40 yards before exiting the game in the second quarter. Despite facing a non-starting Lions squad, the impressive outings from Wilson and Fields provide a confidence boost for the team.

A standout moment came from newly-signed Cordarrelle Patterson, who displayed his explosive speed with a 31-yard touchdown run on the opening drive. Although primarily brought in as a kickoff returner, Patterson's versatility and glimpse of his old form as a rusher adds depth to the Steelers' backfield. With Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren leading the charge, Patterson's impact may be limited, but his recent performance certainly caught the attention of fans and coaches alike.

Defensively, outside linebackers Nick Herbig and Julius Welschof made their presence felt by combining for four sacks. Herbig, in his second year, continued to showcase his ability to disrupt quarterbacks, registering two sacks on the Lions' first drive, with one resulting in a crucial strip sack. Welschof, a rookie from Germany, also displayed his pass-rushing skills with two sacks of his own. While Welschof faces an uphill battle in making the 53-man roster, his performance may secure him a place on the Steelers' practice squad.

Wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick added to the highlights with a spectacular 62-yard catch in the third quarter. Currently competing with Quez Watkins for a spot on the final roster, Fitzpatrick's big-play ability combined with potential contributions on special teams may give him an advantage heading into the roster cuts. Consistency will be key for Fitzpatrick to secure his place among the Steelers' receiving corps.

On the defensive side, cornerback Cory Trice Jr. received the start in place of the resting Joey Porter Jr. Trice Jr. displayed his skills as a backup outside corner, making two tackles, including one for a loss. His solid performance could boost his chances of securing a spot on the final roster.

Despite these individual successes, the Steelers' offensive line continued to face challenges, allowing four sacks, which is a significant cause for concern. Unforced errors, such as a mistimed snap and a missed block, plagued the unit during the game. With injuries to key tackles Troy Fautanu and Dylan Cook, the Steelers need their offensive line to improve in order to protect their quarterbacks and establish a solid running game.

The special teams also faced some struggles, allowing lengthy kickoff and punt returns by the Lions. The subpar performance puts a spotlight on the Steelers' need to bolster their coverage teams once other teams trim their rosters. The search for a reliable gunner on the punt team and an additional proven special teams player is crucial in order to ensure a strong start to the regular season.

As the Steelers must trim their roster from 90 to 53 players by Tuesday, September 8, ahead of their regular season opener in Atlanta, the preseason has provided a valuable glimpse into the team's strengths and areas for improvement. The performances of Wilson, Fields, Patterson, Herbig, Welschof, Fitzpatrick, Trice Jr., and the concerns surrounding the offensive line and special teams will undoubtedly impact the final roster decisions made by the coaching staff. The Steelers are determined to address these issues and prepare for a competitive start to the season.