As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their preseason journey, glaring issues have emerged, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. With only 15 points scored over the course of two preseason games, the offensive unit has struggled to find its footing.
Offensive Woes Persist
The recent 9-3 loss underscored these challenges. The solitary field goal, achieved while Justin Fields was on the field, highlights the difficulty in establishing a consistent offensive rhythm. Fields faced relentless pressure due to inadequate pass protection, preventing him from setting up effective plays.
Veteran Russell Wilson didn’t fare much better, failing to orchestrate a single scoring drive despite taking five series against the Buffalo Bills. Wilson was sacked three times, a clear indicator of the line’s deficiencies. Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin has been vocal about the detrimental impact of these issues:
"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 remarked. "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."
Pass Protection Struggles
Tomlin has been blunt about the need for improvement in 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," he stated. "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."
The offensive line’s struggles were especially glaring against the Bills. Greg Rousseau capitalized on Broderick Jones' inexperience after Jones was moved to right tackle for the game. The result was a difficult night for Fields, who was sacked once and faced persistent pressure.
The team’s situation is further complicated by injuries to key players on the line. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig is potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator cuff, while rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is also sidelined with an injury. These absences have strained the already struggling offensive line, making effective pass protection an even more challenging task.
Key Decisions Ahead
With the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions looming, Mike Tomlin is closely monitoring the performance of his offensive line. The upcoming game is crucial as Tomlin decides which quarterback will start in Pittsburgh's final preseason matchup. Consistent pass protection will be a key factor in his decision-making process.
The Steelers' offensive unit will need to make significant strides if they hope to establish the necessary rhythm and efficiency before the regular season kicks off. The focus will clearly be on improving the performance of the offensive line and ensuring the quarterbacks are given the time and protection needed to execute plays effectively.
Despite the evident challenges, there remains cautious optimism within the coaching staff that improvements can be made. The forthcoming game against the Lions will be an important benchmark in assessing the progress of the offensive unit and identifying areas for further refinement.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with clear objectives and a focused approach, the Steelers hope to address their offensive struggles and enter the regular season with renewed confidence.