Steelers End First Half Tied 14-14 with Lions Despite Fast Start

Through the first 30 minutes of play at Ford Field, the Pittsburgh Steelers are tied with the Detroit Lions 14-14 in a game in which, despite the Steelers' starting offense finally finding the endzone for the first time this preseason, they weren't able to sustain their quick start.

In a game coach Mike Tomlin described as a "dress rehearsal" for his starters, the Steelers offense has found a rhythm early. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields under center, the Steelers scored just one less point in the first half than in the previous eight quarters of football combined this preseason.

That fast start happened with the Steelers' starting offense finally putting points on the board for the first time this preseason, as a 31-yard touchdown run from Cordarrelle Patterson capped off their five-play, 60-yard opening drive.

Then, following a forced fumble, as Nick Herbig sacked Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker, the good start turned into a dream start for the Steelers. After just one drive, the Steelers subbed Wilson out for Fields, who'd help make quick work of the short field before La'mical Perine found the endzone with a one-yard touchdown run.

However, that is where the scoring stopped. Both defenses started to find their rhythm, as six straight possessions ended with punts.

That was until Hooker and the Lions offense ended the Steelers hopes of a shutout. The Lions found the endzone as Hooker hit his running back Jack Funk for a two-yard score. After struggling early, Hooker set up the Lions' score, as he used his legs for a big 19-yard run to set them up on the doorstep of the Steelers' goal line.

The Steelers' attempt at answering lasted just two plays, as the Lions recovered a Kyle Allen fumble. This proved costly, as the Lions made it two straight touchdown drives as Jermar Jefferson scored from one yard out.

Related: Steelers Take Opening Drive for TD vs. Lions in Preseason Finale

The Steelers will now look to re-establish their lead in the second half and close the preseason with a win. However, they will have to stop the Lions first, who will receive the second half's opening kickoff.