As the Pittsburgh Steelers aim to find their footing during the preseason, their offensive struggles have become increasingly evident. In the span of two preseason games, the Steelers have managed to muster just 15 points, highlighting a significant concern for head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff.
Offensive Woes Under Scrutiny
The issues were magnified in their recent 9-3 defeat, which showcased the team’s ongoing difficulties. Of the 15 points scored, only three came with starting quarterback Justin Fields on the field. Fields’ potential was stymied by a persistent lack of pass protection, preventing him from establishing any form of offensive rhythm. The game underscored the impact of the offensive line’s shortcomings on the overall performance.
“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 observed, addressing the broader concerns facing his squad. “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.”
Quarterback Struggles Highlighted
Quarterback Russell Wilson, taking the reins for five series against the Buffalo Bills, failed to lead a single scoring drive. Wilson’s ordeal was compounded by three sacks, further illustrating the O-line’s vulnerability. Tomlin was candid about the necessity for improvement in this regard, stating, “We’ve got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general.”
The inability to protect the quarterback has been a recurring theme, and Tomlin’s assessment was blunt. “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,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for enhanced performance from his offensive linemen.
Offensive Line Troubles
The game also saw Greg Rousseau from the Bills taking full advantage of the inexperience on the Steelers’ O-line. Rookie Broderick Jones, moved to right tackle for the game, found himself targeted and exploited, culminating in a particularly challenging outing. Fields himself was sacked once during the game, further underscoring the need for better protection.
Injuries have compounded these difficulties. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig is potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator, and rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is currently sidelined with an injury. These absences put additional pressure on the remaining players to step up and fill the void.
Preparing for the Final Preseason Game
As the Steelers head into their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, the performance of the offensive line remains under intense scrutiny. Tomlin will be closely monitoring these performances as he makes critical decisions regarding which quarterback will start in the final game.
The offensive line's ability to protect the quarterback and establish a consistent rhythm will be crucial as the Steelers look to build momentum heading into the regular season. The prevailing sentiment within the team is clear – improvements must be made, and quickly, if the Steelers are to compete at the level expected of them.