The Pittsburgh Steelers face a troubling challenge as they progress through their preseason schedule. Offensive struggles have emerged as a significant concern, spotlighted by a meager total of 15 points over the course of two preseason games. These issues were underscored in a recent 9-3 loss, revealing deeper problems that need addressing before the regular season.
Offensive Woes in the Spotlight
During these outings, the offense has failed to find any rhythm, a problem exemplified by the fact that only three of those 15 points came while quarterback Justin Fields was on the field. Head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the impact of inadequate pass protection, which consistently disrupted any momentum. “It's somewhat of an incomplete study because you just don't get a chance to see them operate or us operate or us establish rhythm and personality when you're not winning possession downs,” Tomlin expressed.
Quarterback Struggles
Russell Wilson, across five series against the Buffalo Bills, also struggled to make an impact, failing to orchestrate a single scoring drive. Wilson's performance was marred by three sacks, underscoring the offensive line’s deficiencies. Tomlin did not shy away from addressing these critical shortcomings, pointing out, “The first three or so series of the game, it was three and out, and you're not going to get an opportunity to establish rhythm or play the way you'd like as an individual or a collective.”
Line Protection Problems
The issues on the offensive front were highlighted further when Greg Rousseau from the Bills capitalized on the inexperience of rookie Broderick Jones, who was moved to right tackle for the game. Justin Fields was also sacked once, reflecting persistent protection troubles. The loss of veteran center/guard Nate Herbig, potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator, exacerbates these problems. Additionally, rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is currently sidelined with an injury, compounding the challenges for the Steelers' offensive line.
Coach’s Remarks
Tomlin's comments post-game were a candid reflection of the team’s struggles. "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general,” he admitted, stressing the pressing need for improvement. "I was really upfront with the group about it in that regard, that can't be a problem for us. We've got to be better than we were tonight in that area."
Future Considerations
As the Steelers look ahead to their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, all eyes will be on the offensive line's performance. Tomlin will be evaluating every detail as he decides which quarterback will lead the team in the final game of the preseason. The primary question remains whether the protection and overall offensive execution can rise to the occasion, ensuring the team is ready for the challenges of the regular season.
The preseason has highlighted critical areas of concern for the Steelers, and addressing these will be essential to their success. With one game left to make necessary adjustments, the pressure is on to find solutions and build a cohesive, effective offense.