With the Pittsburgh Steelers' final preseason game just days away, the spotlight is firmly on the team's offense. Surprisingly, there seems to be an absence of general concern over the unit's struggles, as evidenced during recent outings. This calm is perhaps partly due to the debut of quarterback Russell Wilson in black and gold, along with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s composed approach.
Russell Wilson, fresh from leading the Steelers for the first time, confirmed he'll be playing in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. "We’re playing. We're all playing. I'm excited to get back onto the field. ... I think the big thing for us is just executing, making our plays and doing our thing," said Wilson, radiating a blend of determination and optimism.
Preseason Struggles
The Steelers have faced challenges in their preseason matchups so far. The first-team offense, set to make its third consecutive appearance, has yet to reach the end zone. Last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills highlighted these issues, as Wilson led five unsuccessful drives. Various offensive line combinations have not gelled well, contributing to the unit's inconsistency.
Self-inflicted wounds have also plagued the offense, creating a cocktail of errors that have prevented the team from finding its rhythm. Arthur Smith's conservative play-calling has been another factor, as the team looks to avoid injuries and keep elements of their playbook under wraps for the regular season.
Remaining Focused
Despite these struggles, Wilson remains unfazed. His confidence permeates the locker room. "Someone asked if we're concerned [about the offense]. Absolutely not because the level of practices we’ve had against one of the best defenses and how we've shown up there," he stated, pointing to the rigorous practice sessions against a top-tier defense as a silver lining.
The upcoming game against the Lions offers an excellent opportunity for the Steelers to showcase their true potential. Pat Freiermuth, echoing the quarterback's sentiments, emphasized the importance of finishing strong. "We talked about it as an offense, finishing off this last game with a bang and executing so we don’t go into Atlanta second-guessing ourselves. We want that good taste in our mouths," said Freiermuth.
Setting the Tone
Saturday’s game represents more than just the conclusion of the preseason; it is a critical juncture for the Steelers' offense to establish momentum. A solid performance against Detroit could serve as a springboard for their regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The emphasis will be on execution and correcting the 'self-inflicted wounds' that have hindered them thus far.
The determination within the Steelers’ locker room is palpable. The team is well aware that preseason games are not just tune-ups but building blocks for what’s to come. "We’re all playing" and "just executing, making our plays and doing our thing" are not just soundbites; they reflect a team that is committed to turning its preseason struggles into regular-season triumphs.
As Steelers fans eagerly await the final dress rehearsal against the Detroit Lions, all eyes will be on the offense. How they respond could set the tone for the season ahead. For now, the task is clear: execute, minimize mistakes, and build the confidence needed for the battles that lie ahead.