Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats

The buffalo bills vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats from August 28, 2026, reveal a dramatic NFL preseason contest that ended with the Buffalo Bills defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-27. The game featured contrasting offensive approaches, productive performances from several young players, important defensive contributions, and a late scoring push that allowed Buffalo to secure a one-point victory. Pittsburgh started strongly, scoring 14 points in the opening quarter, but Buffalo gradually recovered and finished with an impressive 11-point fourth quarter.

This matchup provides an interesting look at how preseason games can highlight developing talent, evaluate depth-chart options, and reveal areas that teams may need to improve before the regular season. Buffalo demonstrated its ability to respond under pressure, while Pittsburgh showed flashes of offensive potential through its running game, passing attack, and special teams.

The final score tells only part of the story. Individual performances from Shane Buechele, Will Howard, Drew Allar, Skyler Bell, Lew Nichols, Eli Heidenreich, and Kaden Wetjen help explain how the contest developed. Examining the passing, rushing, receiving, defensive, and special teams numbers provides a clearer understanding of the result.

Statistical note: This analysis uses the supplied ESPN box-score data. Some Buffalo team passing and receiving totals conflict with the individual player figures, so those discrepancies are identified rather than silently treated as confirmed statistics.

Game Overview: Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The preseason meeting took place at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. One important date detail is worth clarifying: the official Buffalo Bills recap identifies the game as August 27, 2026, while the supplied ESPN page title lists August 28. The game ID and scoreboard correspond to the same 28-27 contest. The official team recap also confirms Buffalo’s comeback victory.

Match Detail	Information
Matchup	Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills
Competition	NFL Preseason
Game date	August 27, 2026
Venue	Highmark Stadium
Final score	Bills 28, Steelers 27
Winning team	Buffalo Bills
Losing team	Pittsburgh Steelers
Game status	Final
Game ID	401873298

Final Score by Quarter

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Total
Pittsburgh Steelers	14	0	7	6	27
Buffalo Bills	3	7	7	11	28

The scoring pattern explains why this game was so competitive. Pittsburgh built a 14-3 first-quarter advantage, but Buffalo gradually reduced the deficit. Both teams scored seven points in the third quarter, leaving the Steelers ahead 21-17.

Pittsburgh then extended its advantage with a 45-yard punt return touchdown. Buffalo answered with a field goal and a decisive late touchdown followed by a successful two-point conversion.

The result was a one-point victory for Buffalo, but the fourth-quarter response was particularly important. Rather than relying on a single big play, the Bills combined passing, rushing, and special teams contributions to complete their comeback.

For a fuller account of the scoring sequence and the final drive, the official Buffalo Bills game recap provides additional game context.

Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats

The most useful way to understand this matchup is to examine the individual performances by position. Quarterback production, rushing efficiency, receiving contributions, defensive pressure, and return-yardage numbers all influenced the final result.

Passing Statistics

Pittsburgh Steelers Player	Completions/Attempts	Passing Yards	TD	INT	Rating
Drew Allar	9/18	88	0	0	64.1
Will Howard	9/15	69	2	1	83.1
Team Total	18/33	135 net	2	1	74.9

 

Buffalo Bills Player	Completions/Attempts	Passing Yards	TD	INT	Rating
Shane Buechele	26/38	196 gross	0	0	80.6
Team Total	26/38	177 net	0	0	80.6

Passing-yard clarification: Buechele recorded 196 passing yards before sack deductions. Buffalo’s 177 net passing yards reflect the 19 yards lost on three sacks. Pittsburgh’s 157 gross passing yards became 135 net yards after 22 sack yards were deducted.

Shane Buechele’s Performance for Buffalo

Shane Buechele was one of the most important offensive contributors for Buffalo. He completed 26 of 38 passing attempts for 196 yards without throwing an interception.

His completion percentage was approximately 68.4%, which showed that he maintained reasonable accuracy while handling a significant share of the offensive workload.

Although Buechele did not throw a passing touchdown, his contribution went beyond the passing numbers. He helped Buffalo sustain drives, distribute the football to different receivers, and remain competitive after Pittsburgh established its early advantage.

Three sacks for 19 yards show that Pittsburgh’s defense was able to create pressure. However, Buechele avoided turnovers through the air, which helped Buffalo remain in position to complete its comeback.

His most important contribution came late in the game. During Buffalo’s final scoring drive, he connected with Dante Pettis for a two-point conversion after Ian Wheeler scored the go-ahead touchdown.

That conversion proved decisive.

Will Howard’s Two-Touchdown Performance

Will Howard produced an efficient touchdown performance for Pittsburgh, completing 9 of 15 passes for 69 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

His passing statistics demonstrate an important difference between yardage production and scoring efficiency.

Howard did not accumulate a large number of passing yards, but he converted two opportunities into touchdowns. His touchdown passes went to Germie Bernard and Lake McRee.

The first scoring connection came when Howard found Bernard for a 13-yard touchdown. Later, he connected with McRee on a five-yard scoring play.

These plays helped Pittsburgh establish its 14-3 first-quarter advantage.

However, Howard also threw an interception, which limited the overall effectiveness of his performance. Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin recorded the interception, giving the Bills an opportunity to regain momentum.

Drew Allar’s Passing Contribution

Drew Allar completed 9 of 18 passes for 88 yards. He did not throw a touchdown or an interception and finished with a 64.1 passer rating.

His passing performance was relatively conservative compared with Howard’s touchdown production.

Allar’s 88 yards represented the highest passing total among Pittsburgh’s two quarterbacks. However, he did not produce a passing touchdown during his listed playing period.

The distinction matters when evaluating Pittsburgh’s quarterback statistics. Howard produced both passing touchdowns, while Allar contributed more passing yardage.

Neither quarterback reached 100 passing yards, which reflects Pittsburgh’s relatively limited passing production in this particular preseason matchup.

Rushing Statistics and Ground Game Analysis

The running game played an important role for both teams. Buffalo recorded three rushing touchdowns, while Pittsburgh generated one rushing touchdown.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Stats

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	TD	Longest
Lew Nichols	7	40	5.7	0	11
Eli Heidenreich	9	35	3.9	1	9
Travis Homer	2	11	5.5	0	6
Kaleb Johnson	5	11	2.2	0	6
Team Total	23	97	4.2	1	11

Lew Nichols Leads Pittsburgh in Rushing Yards

Lew Nichols delivered Pittsburgh’s strongest rushing performance by total yardage. He recorded seven carries for 40 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt.

His average was the best among Pittsburgh’s listed running backs.

Nichols demonstrated the ability to gain useful yardage without requiring a high number of carries. His performance also provided an alternative to Pittsburgh’s passing attack.

He contributed in the receiving game as well, adding one reception for 13 yards.

Combining his rushing and receiving production gives Nichols 53 yards from scrimmage. That makes him an interesting player to examine when evaluating Pittsburgh’s offensive depth.

Eli Heidenreich Scores Pittsburgh’s Rushing Touchdown

Eli Heidenreich finished with nine carries for 35 yards and one touchdown.

His most important contribution was a nine-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.

The score increased Pittsburgh’s lead to 21-10 and temporarily put the Steelers in a strong position to control the game.

Heidenreich averaged 3.9 yards per carry. Although that figure was lower than Nichols’ average, his touchdown contribution made his performance valuable.

He also contributed to Pittsburgh’s special teams unit, recording two kickoff returns for 47 yards.

Kaleb Johnson and Travis Homer

Kaleb Johnson recorded five carries for 11 yards, averaging 2.2 yards per attempt.

This was a relatively limited rushing performance. Pittsburgh struggled to generate consistent yardage through his carries, although the sample size was small.

Travis Homer had two rushing attempts for 11 yards, producing a 5.5-yard average.

Homer also caught one pass for two yards.

These numbers illustrate the different roles played by Pittsburgh’s running backs. Nichols provided the best rushing efficiency, Heidenreich delivered the touchdown, and Homer contributed limited but useful yardage.

Buffalo Bills Rushing Stats

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	TD	Longest
Skyler Bell	1	28	28.0	1	28
Frank Gore Jr.	10	27	2.7	1	10
Ian Wheeler	9	23	2.6	1	6
Shane Buechele	4	11	2.8	0	9
Team Total	24	89	3.7	3	28

Skyler Bell Produces a Game-Changing Run

Skyler Bell delivered one of Buffalo’s most memorable individual performances.

He recorded only one rushing attempt, but that carry produced 28 yards and a touchdown.

His 28-yard rushing score was particularly valuable because it helped Buffalo reduce Pittsburgh’s advantage in the third quarter.

Bell also led Buffalo in receiving, finishing with seven catches for 49 yards.

His combined production was:

• Rushing: 1 carry, 28 yards, 1 touchdown.
• Receiving: 7 receptions, 49 yards.
• Total scrimmage yardage: 77 yards.
• Total touchdowns: 1.

That combination made Bell one of the most productive Buffalo offensive players in the matchup.

His ability to contribute as both a receiver and a runner gave the Bills another way to attack Pittsburgh’s defense.

Frank Gore Jr. Provides a Balanced Contribution

Frank Gore Jr. recorded 10 carries for 27 rushing yards and one touchdown.

He averaged 2.7 yards per carry, but his contribution was more valuable when his receiving production is included.

Gore Jr. caught five passes for 45 yards, giving him 72 total yards from scrimmage.

His one-yard rushing touchdown helped Buffalo score its first touchdown of the game.

His receiving ability was particularly useful because it allowed Buffalo to involve him in the passing game without relying exclusively on traditional running plays.

Gore Jr.’s combined statistics demonstrate why running-back evaluations should consider receiving contributions as well as rushing totals.

Ian Wheeler Delivers the Winning Touchdown

Ian Wheeler finished with nine carries for 23 yards and one rushing touchdown.

He also recorded two receptions for 10 yards.

His most important contribution came during Buffalo’s final offensive drive.

With the Bills trailing 27-20, Wheeler scored a two-yard rushing touchdown. Buffalo then converted the two-point attempt through Buechele’s pass to Pettis.

This sequence produced the 28-27 final score.

Wheeler’s rushing average of 2.6 yards per carry was not particularly high, but his late touchdown had a direct impact on the outcome.

That is an important distinction when analyzing preseason player statistics. A player’s overall efficiency and the importance of a specific contribution are related, but they are not identical.

Receiving Statistics and Top Pass Catchers

Receiving production played a major role in the game, particularly for Buffalo. The Bills completed 26 passes, while Pittsburgh recorded 18 receptions.

However, Pittsburgh generated more yards per reception, averaging 8.7 yards compared with Buffalo’s 7.5 yards.

Pittsburgh Steelers Receiving Stats

Player	Receptions	Yards	Average	TD	Targets
Max Hurleman	3	50	16.7	0	3
Lance Mason	3	31	10.3	0	4
Cornell Powell	3	23	7.7	0	4
Germie Bernard	1	13	13.0	1	2
Lew Nichols	1	13	13.0	0	1
Riley Nowakowski	1	7	7.0	0	2
Kaden Wetjen	1	7	7.0	0	2
Lake McRee	1	5	5.0	1	4
Brandon Smith	2	4	2.0	0	3
Travis Homer	1	2	2.0	0	2
Jaheim Bell	1	2	2.0	0	1
Levi Wentz	0	0	0.0	0	1
Jakobie Keeney-James	0	0	0.0	0	3
Team Total	18	157	8.7	2	32

Max Hurleman Leads Pittsburgh’s Receivers

Max Hurleman was Pittsburgh’s leading receiver by yardage.

He finished with three receptions for 50 yards, averaging 16.7 yards per catch.

His longest reception covered 25 yards, showing that he provided an effective downfield option.

Hurleman’s three receptions came from three targets, giving him a perfect completion rate on passes directed his way.

Although he did not score a touchdown, his receiving production helped Pittsburgh move the football and maintain offensive balance.

His 50 receiving yards were the highest individual receiving total on either team.

Lance Mason Provides Reliable Receiving Production

Lance Mason recorded three receptions for 31 yards on four targets.

He averaged 10.3 yards per catch and produced a longest reception of 13 yards.

Mason’s contribution was valuable because Pittsburgh needed multiple receivers to support its two-quarterback offense.

His numbers were not as impressive as Hurleman’s, but he provided a consistent option for the passing attack.

Germie Bernard and Lake McRee Score Touchdowns

Germie Bernard and Lake McRee were responsible for Pittsburgh’s two passing touchdowns.

Bernard caught one pass for 13 yards and a touchdown. His scoring reception came from Will Howard during the first quarter.

McRee also recorded one reception, producing five yards and a touchdown.

His scoring play extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 14-3.

These two receptions demonstrate how Pittsburgh converted short opportunities into points. Rather than depending on long passing plays, Howard found receivers in positions where they could complete the scoring opportunities.

Buffalo Bills Receiving Stats

Player	Receptions	Yards	Average	TD	Targets
Skyler Bell	7	49	7.0	0	10
Frank Gore Jr.	5	45	9.0	0	5
Max Tomczak	2	26	13.0	0	2
Keleki Latu	2	20	10.0	0	2
Dante Pettis	1	16	16.0	0	3
Ja’Mori Maclin	1	12	12.0	0	2
Trent Sherfield	1	10	10.0	0	1
Ian Wheeler	2	10	5.0	0	2
Ben VanSumeren	2	6	3.0	0	2
Shane Zylstra	1	4	4.0	0	4
Mecole Hardman Jr.	1	2	2.0	0	2
Quentin Skinner	0	0	0.0	0	1
Shane Buechele	1	-4	-4.0	0	1
Team Total	26	196	7.5	0	37

Skyler Bell Leads Buffalo in Receptions

Skyler Bell was Buffalo’s leading receiver with seven receptions for 49 yards.

He received 10 targets, meaning he caught 70% of the passes directed toward him.

Although his average of seven yards per reception was not particularly high, his involvement in the offense was significant.

Bell gave Buechele a dependable short-to-intermediate passing option. His ability to contribute through both rushing and receiving made him one of Buffalo’s most versatile offensive performers.

His 77 combined yards from scrimmage also placed him among the game’s leading Buffalo contributors.

Frank Gore Jr. Makes an Impact as a Receiver

Frank Gore Jr. caught five passes for 45 yards on five targets.

His 100% reception rate on those targets was an impressive part of his performance.

Gore Jr. averaged nine yards per reception and recorded a longest catch of 24 yards.

When combined with his 27 rushing yards, his 72 yards from scrimmage demonstrate his importance to Buffalo’s offensive approach.

His performance also highlights the value of running backs who can contribute as receivers. When a defense focuses on stopping traditional running plays, passing to the running back can create additional opportunities.

Max Tomczak and Dante Pettis Contribute at Important Moments

Max Tomczak recorded two receptions for 26 yards, averaging 13 yards per catch.

His longest reception covered 20 yards, providing Buffalo with another productive receiving option.

Dante Pettis finished with one reception for 16 yards.

Although his receiving total was relatively modest, his importance increased during the final offensive possession.

Pettis helped Buffalo move into scoring territory with a 16-yard reception. He was also the target of the pass interference penalty that advanced the Bills substantially downfield.

Finally, he caught the two-point conversion pass from Buechele.

This made Pettis an important contributor to the comeback, even though his receiving statistics did not place him among the leading players by total yardage.

Defensive Player Stats and Team Performance

The defensive numbers provide another important explanation for the result.

Both teams recorded three sacks, demonstrating that each defense was able to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh recorded more total tackles, while Buffalo produced more passes defended and recorded the only interception.

Defensive Team Statistics

Defensive Category	Pittsburgh Steelers	Buffalo Bills
Total tackles	65	61
Solo tackles	43	35
Sacks	3	3
Tackles for loss	8	5
Passes defended	2	7
Quarterback hits	6	6
Interceptions	0	1
Fumbles lost	0	1

These statistics show that Pittsburgh was active against the run and around the line of scrimmage.

Buffalo, meanwhile, recorded more passes defended and secured an interception.

The difference in pass defense was particularly important because Buffalo needed to prevent Pittsburgh from building an even larger advantage after its strong first quarter.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Leaders

Player	Total Tackles	Solo Tackles	Sacks	Other Contribution
Devan Boykin	9	5	0	Defensive leader
D’Shawn Jamison	7	6	0	2 tackles for loss, 1 pass defended
Julius Welschof	3	2	1	2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit
Anthony Goodlow	3	2	1	1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit

Devan Boykin Leads Pittsburgh in Tackles

Devan Boykin led the Steelers with nine total tackles, including five solo tackles.

His production made him Pittsburgh’s most active defender by total tackles.

A high tackle count can indicate that a defender was consistently involved in stopping offensive plays. However, tackles alone do not explain the full quality of a defensive performance.

It is also important to examine missed tackles, coverage assignments, pressure, and the number of successful plays allowed.

Even with that qualification, Boykin’s nine tackles demonstrate his involvement throughout the game.

D’Shawn Jamison Makes Important Defensive Plays

D’Shawn Jamison recorded seven tackles, including six solo tackles.

He also registered two tackles for loss and one pass defended.

His ability to contribute in both run defense and pass coverage made him one of Pittsburgh’s notable defensive players.

The two tackles for loss were particularly useful because they disrupted Buffalo’s offensive rhythm and forced the Bills to deal with unfavorable down-and-distance situations.

Julius Welschof and Anthony Goodlow Generate Pressure

Julius Welschof recorded three tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit.

Anthony Goodlow also finished with three tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit.

Both players helped Pittsburgh reach three team sacks.

Their performances demonstrate that Pittsburgh’s defensive front could create pressure, even though Buffalo eventually produced the late scoring drive needed to win.

Buffalo Bills Defensive Leaders

Player	Total Tackles	Solo Tackles	Sacks	Other Contribution
Keonta Jenkins	6	6	1	1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit
Phidarian Mathis	4	3	1	1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit
Andre Jones Jr.	4	1	1	1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit
Damar Hamlin	Not specified	Not specified	0	1 interception, 7 return yards

Keonta Jenkins Leads Buffalo’s Defense

Keonta Jenkins recorded six total tackles, all of which were solo tackles.

He also contributed one sack, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit.

His performance was particularly useful because Buffalo needed to generate pressure while limiting Pittsburgh’s passing opportunities.

Jenkins’ sack demonstrated his ability to disrupt the pocket, while his tackling numbers showed consistent involvement in defensive plays.

Phidarian Mathis and Andre Jones Jr. Add Defensive Pressure

Phidarian Mathis finished with four tackles, three solo tackles, and one sack.

Andre Jones Jr. also recorded four tackles and one sack.

Both players contributed to Buffalo’s total of three sacks.

The pressure from these defenders helped the Bills prevent Pittsburgh from maintaining the same offensive rhythm it displayed during the opening quarter.

Damar Hamlin Records the Game’s Interception

Damar Hamlin recorded Buffalo’s only interception.

He returned the interception for seven yards.

The play was significant because it stopped a Pittsburgh passing possession and gave Buffalo an opportunity to regain control of the game.

Pittsburgh finished without an interception, while Buffalo recorded one.

That difference represents an important defensive advantage for the Bills.

Special Teams Statistics and Their Influence on the Result

Special teams had a direct influence on the final score.

The most important play was Kaden Wetjen’s 45-yard punt return touchdown, which helped Pittsburgh move ahead 27-17 in the fourth quarter.

Buffalo eventually recovered, but the return demonstrated how quickly special teams can change a game’s momentum.

Kick Return Statistics

Team	Returner	Returns	Yards	Average	Longest
Pittsburgh	Eli Heidenreich	2	47	23.5	26
Pittsburgh	Kaden Wetjen	1	17	17.0	17
Buffalo	Mecole Hardman Jr.	2	50	25.0	27
Buffalo	Dante Pettis	1	14	14.0	14

Both teams recorded 64 kickoff return yards.

Buffalo averaged 21.3 yards per return, while Pittsburgh also averaged 21.3 yards.

Mecole Hardman Jr. led Buffalo with 50 kickoff return yards.

Eli Heidenreich was Pittsburgh’s leading kickoff returner with 47 yards.

Punt Return Statistics

Team	Returner	Returns	Yards	Average	Longest	TD
Pittsburgh	Kaden Wetjen	4	61	15.3	45	1
Buffalo	Mecole Hardman Jr.	2	21	10.5	17	0
Buffalo	Ray Davis	2	11	5.5	11	0

Pittsburgh generated 61 punt return yards compared with Buffalo’s 32.

Wetjen’s 45-yard touchdown return was the biggest special teams play of the matchup.

The return gave Pittsburgh a seven-point advantage at a crucial stage of the fourth quarter. It also demonstrated the value of explosive return production in close contests.

However, Buffalo’s offense responded with a field goal and a late touchdown drive.

Kicking Statistics

Kicker	Field Goals	Field Goal %	Longest	Extra Points	Total Points
Chris Boswell	0/0	N/A	N/A	3/3	3
Tyler Bass	2/2	100%	42 yards	2/2	8

Tyler Bass made both of his field-goal attempts.

His longest successful kick traveled 42 yards.

Bass contributed eight points through two field goals and two extra points.

Chris Boswell successfully converted all three of his extra-point attempts.

The difference in field-goal opportunities was important because Bass provided Buffalo with six points from the kicking game.

Punting Statistics

Punter	Team	Punts	Yards	Average	Longest	Inside 20
Cameron Johnston	Pittsburgh	5	253	50.6	58	2
Tommy Doman Jr.	Buffalo	4	208	52.0	59	2
Mitch Wishnowsky	Buffalo	2	68	34.0	49	1

Pittsburgh’s Cameron Johnston averaged 50.6 yards across five punts.

Buffalo’s Tommy Doman Jr. averaged 52 yards on four punts, while Mitch Wishnowsky recorded two punts for 68 yards.

The combined Buffalo punting average was 46 yards.

These figures provide useful information about field-position management, although punting averages alone cannot establish the overall quality of a punting performance. Return yardage and the final position of each punt also matter.

Team Statistics: Bills vs Steelers

The overall team statistics help explain how Buffalo won despite producing fewer rushing yards and allowing a significant special teams touchdown.

Team Statistic	Pittsburgh Steelers	Buffalo Bills
Total offensive yards	232	266
Net passing yards	135	177
Rushing yards	97	89
Rushing attempts	23	24
First downs	14	19
Third-down conversions	7/15	6/14
Fourth-down conversions	0/2	0/0
Turnovers	1	1
Penalties	5	6
Penalty yards	70	43
Time of possession	27:38	32:22
Sacks allowed	3	3

Buffalo Wins the Total Yardage Battle

Buffalo finished with 266 total yards, compared with Pittsburgh’s 232.

The 34-yard difference shows that the Bills generated more overall offensive production.

Buffalo also recorded five additional first downs.

These numbers suggest that the Bills were more successful at sustaining offensive possessions.

However, Pittsburgh’s special teams performance kept the Steelers competitive despite the yardage difference.

Pittsburgh Produces More Rushing Yards

Pittsburgh recorded 97 rushing yards, eight more than Buffalo’s 89.

The Steelers averaged 4.2 yards per carry, while the Bills averaged 3.7.

This difference demonstrates that Pittsburgh was slightly more efficient with its traditional rushing attack.

However, Buffalo scored three rushing touchdowns compared with Pittsburgh’s one.

The number of rushing touchdowns was therefore more important than the difference in total rushing yardage.

Buffalo Controls Possession

Buffalo held the football for 32 minutes and 22 seconds.

Pittsburgh recorded 27 minutes and 38 seconds of possession.

The Bills’ advantage of four minutes and 44 seconds helped them control the pace of the contest.

Longer possessions can limit the opposing offense’s opportunities and help a team recover after giving up points.

Buffalo’s fourth-quarter possession was especially important because it produced the winning touchdown and conversion.

Turnovers Remain an Important Factor

Both teams recorded one turnover.

Pittsburgh’s turnover came through Howard’s interception, which was recorded by Damar Hamlin.

Buffalo’s turnover was a lost fumble by Ray Davis.

This meant neither team had a clear advantage in total turnovers.

However, the timing of the turnovers mattered. Buffalo’s interception created an opportunity to respond after Pittsburgh had built an early lead.

How the Buffalo Bills Completed Their Fourth-Quarter Comeback

The fourth quarter was the defining part of the matchup.

Pittsburgh entered the final period with a 21-17 advantage. Wetjen’s punt return touchdown then extended the Steelers’ lead to 27-17.

Buffalo faced a difficult situation, but the offense remained capable of creating scoring opportunities.

Pittsburgh Extends Its Lead Through Special Teams

Kaden Wetjen returned a punt 45 yards for a touchdown.

The play gave Pittsburgh a 27-17 lead.

It was an important moment because special teams had created points without requiring the Steelers’ offense to move the ball downfield.

Buffalo failed to stop the return, allowing Pittsburgh to build a stronger advantage.

Tyler Bass Reduces the Deficit

Buffalo responded with a 42-yard field goal from Tyler Bass.

The successful kick reduced Pittsburgh’s advantage to 27-20.

Although Buffalo still needed a touchdown, the field goal kept the game within one possession.

Bass’ accuracy was important because missing the kick would have made the comeback considerably more difficult.

Ian Wheeler Scores the Go-Ahead Touchdown

Buffalo’s final scoring drive began with the team trailing by seven points.

Buechele connected with Dante Pettis for a 16-yard gain.

A defensive pass interference penalty then helped Buffalo move closer to the end zone.

Ian Wheeler eventually carried the football into the end zone from two yards out.

The touchdown brought the score to 27-26.

Dante Pettis Catches the Winning Two-Point Conversion

Instead of settling for a tie, Buffalo attempted a two-point conversion.

Buechele found Pettis in the end zone, completing the conversion and giving Buffalo a 28-27 lead.

This was the decisive play of the game.

The sequence highlighted the importance of execution under pressure. Buechele delivered the pass, Pettis completed the catch, and Wheeler provided the touchdown that made the conversion possible.

Pittsburgh could not recover the lead, and Buffalo secured the victory.

What the Player Statistics Reveal About Both Teams

The individual numbers offer several useful observations beyond the final score.

1. Buffalo Had More Consistent Passing Production

Buechele completed 26 of 38 passes for 196 gross yards.

Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks combined for 157 gross passing yards.

Buffalo’s higher completion total helped the team sustain possessions and maintain offensive pressure.

However, the Bills did not record a passing touchdown. Their scoring success came through rushing touchdowns, field goals, and the final two-point conversion.

2. Pittsburgh Had More Efficient Receiving Production

The Steelers averaged 8.7 yards per reception compared with Buffalo’s 7.5.

Max Hurleman’s 50 receiving yards led all players.

Pittsburgh also scored twice through the passing game.

These statistics show that the Steelers were capable of creating productive passing plays, particularly during the opening quarter.

3. Buffalo’s Running Backs Contributed to the Winning Score

Buffalo recorded three rushing touchdowns.

Gore Jr. scored in the second quarter, Bell scored in the third, and Wheeler delivered the decisive fourth-quarter touchdown.

The distribution of rushing touchdowns showed that Buffalo could generate scoring contributions from different players.

4. Pittsburgh’s Special Teams Created a Major Advantage

Wetjen’s 45-yard punt return touchdown was one of the biggest individual plays.

Pittsburgh also recorded 61 punt return yards, nearly twice Buffalo’s 32.

This was a clear strength for the Steelers.

5. Buffalo’s Defensive Secondary Produced an Important Turnover

Damar Hamlin’s interception prevented Pittsburgh from maintaining another offensive possession.

Buffalo also recorded seven passes defended, compared with Pittsburgh’s two.

These statistics suggest that the Bills’ secondary played an important role in limiting Pittsburgh’s passing opportunities.

6. Buffalo Finished More Effectively

The most important statistical difference was not simply total yardage or rushing efficiency.

It was Buffalo’s ability to turn its final possession into the winning score.

The Bills scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, while Pittsburgh added six.

That late production ultimately decided the matchup.

Important Statistical Notes for Readers

A detailed box-score analysis should distinguish between gross passing yards, net passing yards, and receiving yards.

In this game, Buffalo’s passing statistics show 196 yards for Buechele. The team passing figure of 177 yards is the net total after three sacks resulted in 19 lost yards.

Similarly, Pittsburgh recorded 157 gross passing yards but finished with 135 net passing yards after losing 22 yards on three sacks.

These are not contradictory figures. They represent different statistical measurements.

There are also two details worth treating carefully:

• The supplied defensive summary lists one Pittsburgh defensive touchdown, but the scoring description identifies Wetjen’s 45-yard score as a punt return touchdown. It should therefore be classified as a special teams score rather than automatically described as a defensive touchdown.
• The game date appears as August 28 in the supplied ESPN page title, while the official Buffalo Bills recap identifies August 27, 2026. The official team’s date is used in this article.

These distinctions matter because accurate reporting requires more than copying numbers into tables. Understanding how statistics are classified prevents misleading conclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers preseason game in 2026?

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-27 on August 27, 2026. Buffalo completed a fourth-quarter comeback to secure the victory.

2. How many passing yards did Shane Buechele record?

Shane Buechele completed 26 of 38 passes for 196 gross passing yards. He threw no touchdowns and no interceptions.

3. Who was Pittsburgh’s leading receiver?

Max Hurleman led Pittsburgh with three receptions for 50 yards. He averaged 16.7 yards per catch and recorded a longest reception of 25 yards.

4. How many touchdowns did Buffalo score on the ground?

Buffalo scored three rushing touchdowns. Frank Gore Jr., Skyler Bell, and Ian Wheeler each recorded one rushing touchdown.

5. Who recorded the most rushing yards in the game?

Lew Nichols led all players with 40 rushing yards on seven carries. He averaged 5.7 yards per attempt for Pittsburgh.

6. Who scored the longest special teams touchdown?

Kaden Wetjen recorded a 45-yard punt return touchdown for Pittsburgh. The play gave the Steelers a 27-17 advantage in the fourth quarter.

Conclusion

The buffalo bills vs pittsburgh steelers match player stats provide a detailed picture of an entertaining preseason contest decided by late-game execution.

Buffalo’s 28-27 victory demonstrated the importance of offensive balance, defensive adjustments, and special teams awareness. Shane Buechele completed 26 passes for 196 yards, while Skyler Bell contributed 77 yards from scrimmage and a rushing touchdown. Frank Gore Jr. added 72 yards from scrimmage, and Ian Wheeler scored the decisive fourth-quarter touchdown.

Pittsburgh also had several impressive individual performances. Will Howard threw two touchdown passes, Lew Nichols led the game in rushing yards, and Max Hurleman topped all receivers with 50 yards. Kaden Wetjen’s 45-yard punt return touchdown was another major highlight.

Defensively, Damar Hamlin’s interception, Keonta Jenkins’ six tackles and sack, and the contributions of both teams’ defensive fronts helped shape the contest.

Ultimately, the biggest difference was Buffalo’s ability to execute when the game was on the line. The final two-point conversion from Shane Buechele to Dante Pettis completed the comeback and secured the one-point win.

Looking beyond the result, this matchup offered useful information about individual contributions, offensive depth, defensive pressure, and special teams performance. These statistics provide a foundation for understanding how both teams approached the preseason contest and which players made the most noticeable contributions.