Advertisement

5 takeaways from the Bills' 9-3 preseason win at Steelers

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Greg Rousseau #50 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after sacking Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (not pictured) in the first half during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Greg Rousseau #50 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after sacking Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (not pictured) in the first half during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills took their second of three preseason efforts on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The result was a 9-3 win.

Like most exhibition contests, there was plenty to unpack from the outing in Acrisure Stadium. Especially after a tough first outing last weekend.

Here are five takeaways from the Bills' preseason Week 2 win against the Steelers:

Trick Allen

Aug 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott (left) and quarterback Josh Allen (17) talk on the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott (left) and quarterback Josh Allen (17) talk on the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills: The starters, quarterback Josh Allen included, will play against the Steelers.

Also the Bills: All of the first-team offense will play against the Steelers... except Allen.

After announcing that the No. 1 offense will play in Pittsburgh on Friday, Allen did not suit up. Per head coach Sean McDermott following the game, Allen did not play because of the weather. Probably a smart idea, no use getting hurt in a meaningless game.

Holy Greg

.
.

We just need to let the image above do the talking. Greg Rousseau had an incredible stat line for an entire game... let alone alone the limited snaps that he played with Buffalo's starting defense before being exiting. Rousseau blew by multiple Steelers blockers on one occasion en route to a sack against Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson.

In addition to Rousseau, the entire Bills starting defense (and whole group top-to-bottom) deserves credit. The Steelers' starting offense did not score in four attempts. They were off the field in three-and-out fashion three times, too.

Mitch was poor and hurt (so were others)

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Mitchell Trubisky #11 of the Buffalo Bills looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Mitchell Trubisky #11 of the Buffalo Bills looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

In the rainy and ugly weather, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky did himself no favors as he started for Allen. There likely is not any scanning of the backup QB market going on right now by the Bills--But it just didn't look good for him.

Not only that, he was injured.

Trubisky's game ended in the second quarter because of a knee injury. He finished the game 9 of 13 for 86 yards and was sacked twice. The QB appeared to hang onto the ball far too long on occasion.

And to be fair, Trubsiky was not alone in the injury department. Others included:

It's unclear how much of this list is precautionary and how much is serious injury at this time. After the contest, head coach Sean McDermott did not provide updates.

Local impact

Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen signs autographs for fans following practice.
Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen signs autographs for fans following practice.

Lancaster, NY, native Joe Andreessen stood out. Really.

What started as a local feel-good story has gained some serious traction. The linebacker got the start in Pittsburgh due to multiple injuries and weather keeping others off the field--With Matt Milano (bicep) at the top of the list.

Don't get too excited, he's still a longshot to make the roster. But leading the defense with 12 tackles including a shared sack? Way to go, kid.

Tyler did it

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Despite some up-and-down during training camp practices, kicker Tyler Bass played his part against the Steelers.

While weather played a negative part against the Bills, you've got to give it up to Bass in such conditions. After hitting two kicks last week against the Chicago Bears, he connected from 27, 26 and 31 yards in Pittsburgh.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 5 takeaways from the Bills' 9-3 preseason win at Steelers