The Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason woes have taken center stage as the team continues to grapple with offensive inefficiencies. Over the span of two preseason games, the Steelers' offense has managed to muster only 15 points, which paints a stark picture of their current struggles.
The latest encounter, a 9-3 defeat, further highlighted the issues plaguing Pittsburgh. Only three out of their total points materialized with quarterback Justin Fields on the field, and the constant breakdown in pass protection played a significant role in the team's inability to establish any offensive flow.
Pass Protection Woes
Quarterback performance was severely hampered across five series against the Buffalo Bills, where Russell Wilson failed to lead a single scoring drive. Wilson found himself sacked three times, an alarming statistic that underscores the pass protection issues emphasized by head coach Mike Tomlin.
"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 after the game. "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."
Tomlin's comments highlight the critical importance of winning possession downs—a task the Steelers failed to achieve consistently. "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did—not only in possession downs but just in general," he added, addressing the overarching problem.
Exploitation of Inexperience
The Bills' defensive line, led by Greg Rousseau, exploited the inexperience of Broderick Jones, who found himself shifted to right tackle. This adjustment proved costly, as Fields was sacked once throughout the game, further testament to the necessity for the Steelers to shore up their offensive line. The weakness in protection was a clear factor in the team's inability to build any sustainable offense.
Tomlin's frustration was evident as 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."
Injuries Compounding Problems
Injuries have also taken a toll. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig's potential season-ending torn rotator injury and the sidelining of rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu further complicate the offensive line's dynamics. Both injuries have deprived the team of valuable depth and experience, placing additional stress on an already strained unit.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Steelers prepare for their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, there is a keen focus on evaluating the offensive line's performance. Tomlin's decision on which quarterback will start hinges on the line's ability to provide adequate protection.
Without significant improvement in pass protection and overall offensive execution, the Steelers' struggles are likely to persist. The pressure is mounting, and the evaluation in the upcoming game will be crucial for setting the tone for the season ahead.
The Steelers' preseason journey has so far been a tale of missed opportunities and glaring inefficiencies. With one final preseason game remaining, the road to redemption lies in addressing these critical issues. How the team responds will ultimately shape their trajectory as they transition into the regular season, with the weight of expectations and the necessity for improvement resting heavily on their shoulders.