As the Pittsburgh Steelers progress through their preseason matchups, the offense's struggles have become an increasingly visible concern. Over the course of two preseason games, the Steelers managed to muster a mere 15 points, a figure that underscores their offensive woes.
Offensive Struggles Compounded by Inadequate Pass Protection
The 9-3 loss on Saturday night provided a stark illustration of these challenges. Notably, only three of the team’s 15 total points over these first two games came while quarterback Justin Fields was on the field. The persistent issue of pass protection severely hindered any chance for Fields to establish a consistent rhythm on offense. This lack of protection not only affects the quarterback's ability to execute plays but also disrupts the overall flow and strategy of the game.
Head coach Mike Tomlin was vocal about 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 remarked. He added, "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."
Quarterback Woes and Defensive Pressures
Russell Wilson, another focal point in the preseason, faced significant challenges against the Buffalo Bills. Across five series, Wilson was unable to orchestrate a single scoring drive and was sacked three times. This lack of effective offensive drives highlights a broader issue within the team's structure and execution. Tomlin addressed this, saying, "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general."
Particularly impactful was the performance of Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau. He exploited the inexperience of Broderick Jones, who was moved to the right tackle position for the game. This mismatch proved costly for the Steelers, with Justin Fields also taking a sack. The pressure on the quarterback forced hurried decisions and prevented any semblance of offensive stability.
Injuries Adding to the Woes
The situation is further exacerbated by injuries to key players. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig is potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator. In addition to Herbig, rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is also sidelined with an injury. These absences are a significant blow to the already struggling offensive line, putting more pressure on the remaining players to step up and fill the gaps.
Looking Toward the Preseason Finale
With the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on the horizon, Tomlin will be closely monitoring the offensive line performances. This game will be crucial as he decides which quarterback will start in Pittsburgh’s final preseason contest. Reflecting on the team’s current state, Tomlin emphasized, "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."
As the Steelers work to address their deficiencies, the focus remains on improving pass protection and finding a rhythm on offense. The upcoming matchup against the Lions will not only serve as a final test before the regular season but will also be a barometer for how effectively the team can rectify its issues under pressure.