Ben Roethlisberger hit up New Orleans for 148 yards and two touchdown passes in his first action this preseason, then got the rest of the game off while the Steelers rolled to a 27-14 victory on Friday night.
Roethlisberger, who sat out of the first two preseason games, opened by leading a 14-play, 76-yard drive on which he converted two third downs and found tight end Jesse James for a 5-yard score. His next series was highlighted by his 57-yard scoring pass down the left sideline to Antonio Brown, also playing for the first time this preseason.
Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell also made his preseason debut, gaining 21 yards on three carries, but his lost fumble in the second quarter led to Drew Brees’ only TD pass.
WASHINGTON 21 BUFFALO 16
In their first real chance to play together this preseason, Kirk Cousins and the Washington Redskins’ offensive starters showed plenty of rust and then progress in a 21-16 victory against the Buffalo Bills on Friday night.
With the Bills (1-2) resting almost their entire starting defense, Cousins overcame a rough start to finish 12 of 23 for 188 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
Bills starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor played only two series, by coach Rex Ryan’s design, going 2 of 5 for 11 yards before being replaced by E.J. Manuel, who was 21 of 39 for 221 yards and an interception.
Ryan also opted to rest running back LeSean McCoy and several key defenders, including defensive tackle Kyle Williams, linebacker Jerry Hughes and cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Stephon Gilmore.
TAMPA BAY 30 CLEVELAND 13
Josh Gordon scored on a 43-yard reception and hauled in another pass from Robert Griffin III for a 44-yard gain that led to a first quarter field goa, but the Browns still lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-13.
Griffin completed 8 of 14 passes for 119 yards, one TD and no interceptions before being replaced by Josh McCown at the start of the third quarter. Gordon was only targeted twice and finished with 87 yards receiving.
Gordon, whose preseason debut was delayed by a quadriceps injury, hadn’t played since December 2014. He was suspended all of last season for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse, and won’t be eligible for the first four games of this regular season.