As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate their preseason schedule, their offensive struggles have become a glaring concern. Over the course of two preseason games, the Steelers' offense has managed to muster a mere 15 points, a statistic that underscores the issues plaguing the team. The recent 9-3 loss on Saturday night highlighted these offensive deficiencies.
Only three of those 15 points were scored with quarterback Justin Fields on the field, a testament to the persistent lack of pass protection that has hindered any opportunity for Fields to establish a consistent offensive rhythm. During this period, the offensive line's inefficacy was starkly evident. Fields' difficulties were mirrored by Russell Wilson, who, despite orchestrating five series against the Buffalo Bills, failed to engineer a single scoring drive. Adding to the woes, Wilson was sacked three times.
Offensive Line Woes
Head coach Mike Tomlin did not mince words regarding the detrimental impact of inadequate pass protection. "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 stated. "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 emphasized the need for improvement across the board, stressing, "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general." The performance of the offensive line has been under intense scrutiny, especially after Greg Rousseau of the Bills took advantage of Broderick Jones' inexperience, who was playing at right tackle. Additionally, Fields was sacked once, adding to the mounting concerns about the offensive line’s ability to protect their quarterbacks.
Injury Setbacks
The challenges for the Steelers have been compounded by significant injuries. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig faces the potential of missing the season due to a torn rotator cuff, a major blow to an already struggling line. Rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is also sidelined with an injury, further depleting the team's depth and experience at key positions. These injuries have forced the Steelers to experiment with their lineup, often to less-than-stellar results.
Looking for Solutions
As the Steelers prepare for their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Tomlin will be keenly monitoring the performance of his offensive line. The final decision on who will start at quarterback in Pittsburgh's last preseason game will be heavily influenced by these performances. Tomlin’s focus remains firmly on ensuring his team can provide adequate protection and create opportunities for their playmakers. "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," Tomlin remarked, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Steelers' preseason has been a test of resilience and adaptation. While the points on the board have not reflected their efforts, the experiences and lessons drawn from these games are invaluable as they gear up for the regular season. The spotlight now shines brightly on the offensive line, as their performance could dictate how the Steelers' season unfolds. As the preseason finale approaches, all eyes will be on how the team addresses these pressing concerns, with the hope that improvement in pass protection can help establish the offensive rhythm they desperately need.