As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate through their preseason schedule, they are facing significant challenges on the offensive front. Over the course of two preseason games, the Steelers' offense has managed to put only 15 points on the board, a paltry sum that underscores deeper issues within the unit.
The depth of these struggles became glaringly apparent in their 9-3 loss on Saturday night. Remarkably, only three of those 15 points were scored while Justin Fields was on the field, as persistent issues with pass protection thwarted any attempt to build offensive momentum.
Offensive Woes Continue
Russell Wilson's performance was emblematic of the team's broader struggles. Despite playing five series against the Buffalo Bills, Wilson was unable to orchestrate a single scoring drive. Sacked three times, the quarterback found himself continuously pressured, unable to find a rhythm.
Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed his frustrations succinctly, emphasizing the critical nature of pass protection. "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 said. "And we weren't. 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."
Key Players Under Pressure
Adding to the woes, young offensive lineman Broderick Jones struggled in his new position at right tackle, where he was exploited by Bills' defensive end Greg Rousseau. "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did—not only in possession downs but just in general," Tomlin noted. The lack of effective pass protection has been a focal point of criticism, as it directly impacts the ability of the quarterbacks to maintain control and drive the ball forward.
Further compounding the situation is the injury list. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig is potentially out for the season with a torn rotator cuff, while rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is also sidelined with an injury. These absences leave the Steelers particularly vulnerable and lacking in experienced depth on the offensive line.
Looking to the Future
As the team prepares for their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, all eyes will be on the offensive line. Coach Tomlin emphasized the importance of improved performance in this critical area. "I was really upfront with the group about it in that regard," he said. "That can't be a problem for us. We've got to be better than we were tonight in that area."
Tomlin's decisions in the next game will be heavily influenced by the offensive line's performance, especially when it comes to determining which quarterback will take the helm as the starter. The coach's focus on pass protection underscores the strategic significance of this aspect of the game and the uphill battle the Steelers face to overcome their current struggles.
While the preseason games are often a time for testing and adjustment, the issues the Steelers are encountering are fundamental and demand swift resolution. With the regular season rapidly approaching, the need for a cohesive and effective offense is more pressing than ever. The forthcoming game against the Lions could provide invaluable insights into the adjustments and improvements made, setting the stage for the team's outlook in the upcoming season.