Steelers Stall as Lions Surge to 24-17 Preseason Finale Win

The Pittsburgh Steelers will end their preseason winless as they fell 24-17 to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Saturday.

After ending the first half on a 14-0 run to tie the game at halftime, the Lions offense picked up where they left off, putting together a 14-play, 54-yard drive that set them up to take their first lead. However, Jake Bates' 30-yard-field goal attempt was wide right.

After having their last five possessions ended without points, the Steelers finally ended their scoring drought. Set up by a big 59-yard throw to Dez Fitzpatrick from Kyle Allen, the Steelers retook the lead with a 26-yard field goal from Matthew Wright after a third-down pass intended for Connor Heyward fell incomplete in the redzone.

Despite Cameron Sutton coming up with an interception for the Steelers, the Lions' struck next following a Pittsburgh punt. Rebounding from his interception, Hooker led the Lions 88 yards in seven plays as he completed each of his two passes for 32 yards before Jemar Jefferson finished the drive off with a seven-yard touchdown run.

With new quarterback Jake Fromm under center, the Lions put together another threatening drive. The Lions drove 64 yards in 11 plays yet had to settle for a 46-yard field goal as Fromm's third-down pass was dropped.

Luckily, the Steelers' pass was dropped, as it would've been a walk-in touchdown if caught. However, instead, the Lions extended their lead to seven points at 24-17, giving Pittsburgh a chance.

With John Rhys Plumlee at quarterback for his second drive, the Steelers' drive came down to a crucial fourth-and-three. The former UCF product found Quez Watkins downfield for a 24-yard gain. However, an illegal man downfield penalty wiped it out before a false start on the following play forced them to punt.

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

The Steelers will close out the preseason 0-3 and turn their attention to their Week 1 matchup with Arthur Smith's former team, the Atlanta Falcons. But before the Steelers go to Mercedes Benz Stadium on September 8, they will trim their roster from 90 to 53 players.