As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate their preseason slate, one issue stands out more than any other: the glaring struggles on offense. Over the course of two preseason games, the Steelers have managed to put up only 15 points, a statistic that raises eyebrows and questions about the team's offensive readiness as the regular season looms large.
Offensive Struggles Highlighted
The team’s recent 9-3 loss on Saturday night encapsulates these challenges. More concerning is the fact that only three of those 15 points came with starting quarterback Justin Fields on the field, where he was visibly hampered by inadequate pass protection. This lack of protection prevented Fields from establishing any semblance of an offensive rhythm, a critical factor for a quarterback of his potential and playstyle.
In another concerning sign, Russell Wilson, playing over five series against the Buffalo Bills, could not orchestrate a single scoring drive and was sacked three times. The offensive line's inefficacies were glaringly obvious, raising urgent questions about the team's readiness just weeks before the regular season.
Challenges in Pass Protection
Head coach Mike Tomlin did not mince words when discussing the impact of poor pass protection. “We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general,” stated Tomlin. He was candid with the group about this critical issue. “That can't be a problem for us. We've got to be better than we were tonight in that area.”
The first three series of the game underscored Tomlin’s concerns, as the team went three-and-out each time, a performance that effectively stunted any chance of gaining offensive 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 reiterated, emphasizing the cascading impact of failing to convert these critical downs.
Key Injuries
Compounding the team's woes are injuries to crucial players on the offensive line. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig is potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator, a significant blow to the team's interior line strength. Furthermore, rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is currently sidelined with an injury, adding to Tomlin’s headaches as he seeks to solidify the offensive unit before the regular season kicks off.
Individual Matchups
During the Bills game, Greg Rousseau exploited the inexperience of Broderick Jones, who was moved to right tackle specifically for the game. This individual matchup highlighted the steep learning curve Jones faces and the immediate need for improvement across the entire offensive line. Justin Fields also felt the pressure firsthand as he was sacked once, further illustrating the disconnect and lack of cohesion upfront.
Looking Ahead to the Preseason Finale
With the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions fast approaching, Tomlin’s focus will be squarely on the offensive line performances. These final evaluations are crucial as he decides who will start at quarterback in Pittsburgh’s last preseason game. This decision will not only shape the immediate future but could significantly influence the team’s strategy and roster as they prepare for the regular season.
The stakes are high, and the answers must come quickly. Pittsburgh’s storied franchise cannot afford to enter the regular season with unresolved issues on the offensive line. As Tomlin aptly put it, “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.” These upcoming practices and game performances are not just about fine-tuning; they are about correcting course before it’s too late.
The Steelers have long been synonymous with steel-curtain defenses and robust offensive play. This preseason is testing that legacy, and the responses in the coming days will reveal whether this team can live up to its illustrious reputation.