Steelers Miscues Lead to Loss to Texans

Miscues were the theme of the night for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans on Friday .

While Steelers quarterback Justin Fields was 5-for-6 for 67 yards in three series, a pair of center/quarterback exchanges halted drives that otherwise looked promising for Pittsburgh.

Rookie Zach Frazier took over for starting center Nate Herbig and no other exchanges were missed.

With the Steelers trailing 7-0 in the second quarter, Pittsburgh backup quarterback Kyle Allen drove inside the Texans 10-yard line. On fourth down, the Steelers went for it and receiver Calvin Austin III broke free in the corner of the endzone and Allen just overthrew him for an incomplete pass and a turnover-on-downs.

The Steelers' defense held, but a muffed punt gave the ball right back to the Texans at the Pittsburgh 30. The Texans would score again for a 14-point swing and a 14-0 lead. The Steelers did make a game of it in the second half but were unable to come all the way back.

The Steelers also committed six penalties for 59 yards and were just 2-of-9 on third down conversion attempts. Coach Mike Tomlin should be emphasizing these all week long as the Steelers prepare to take on the Buffalo Bills next week.

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Allen had a solid night under center going 17-for-23 for 193 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The interception came with just three seconds remaining in the game.

Receivers Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller made big plays in the passing game, but it wasn’t enough as the Steelers fell to the Texans 20-12.

The Steelers play at home against the Bills on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. ET.