The Good, Bad, & Ugly: Steelers Suffer Loss vs. Texans as Snap Mishaps Prove Costly

Football season is finally here as the Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their preseason at home versus the Houston Texans. However, despite the excitement of a new season, the Steelers were on the wrong side of the scoreboard Friday, falling 20-12 to the Texans.

Yet, even with the loss, there was still some good, some bad, and yes, even an ugly. So before the Steelers turn the page on the loss and begin focusing on their second preseason game versus the Buffalo Bills , we empty our notebook.

The Good: Fields' Successful Audition?

While preseason games don't have any implications for the regular season ahead, the stakes were somewhat high for Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, who despite not being listed as the team's starting signal-caller on the unofficial depth chart was getting his opportunity to do exactly that.

With Russell Wilson watching from the sidelines, Fields did his best to audition for the right to earn the Steelers' starting quarterback job. The former first-round pick who has made a name for himself this far into his career with his abilities as a runner, it was his passing that impressed.

Albeit a limited sample size, as Fields and the first-team offense got just three drives before being pulled, he completed five of his six passes for 67 yards.

No the Steelers never found the endzone, or put points on the board, for that matter with Fields under center. However, his connection with star receiver George Pickens was evident, as the pairing connected twice for 25 yards.

The Steelers already know what they have in Fields as a runner, but the big question mark has been about him as a passer. And that will be where he needs to continue to prove himself in order to win the job.

The Bad: Special Teams Struggles

It can be kind of easy to take special teams for granted. Especially when it comes to extra point attempts or even punt returns. However, as the Steelers were reminded Friday, when you shoot yourself in the foot on special teams it can prove costly.

First there was the muffed punt by Quez Watkins, which not only negated a quick three-and-out forced by the Steelers defense, but ended up turning into seven point for the Texans as running back Dare Ogunbowale extended their first-half lead to 14-0.

Then when the Steelers did finally find the endzone for the first time Friday, backup kicker Matthew Wright's extra point attempt was wide left.

Related: Steelers Miscues Lead to Loss to Texans

The Ugly: Failed Snap Exchanges

A big reason behind two of Fields' drives not resulting in the Steelers putting points on the board could be put down to failed snap exchanges . It is unclear as to what exactly the problem was for the Steelers, so we will not presume to know.

But what was clear is that center Nate Herbig and Fields were not on the same page, as two snaps exchanges turned into loose balls. Luckily for the Steelers neither ended up being turnovers. However, they could be classified as drive killers.