As the NFL preseason unfolds, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to grapple with significant challenges on the offensive front. Across two preseason games, the team has mustered a scant 15 points, highlighting a worrying trend as they move closer to the regular season.
Their most recent outing, a 9-3 defeat, underscored these offensive struggles. Only three of those 15 points were scored with the potential starting quarterback, Justin Fields, on the field, indicating that the offense’s issues are not merely a matter of rotation or personnel but run deeper into the team’s strategy and execution. The recurring theme of inadequate pass protection has emerged as a critical concern.
Offensive Line Woes
In the five series that Russell Wilson led against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers failed to engineer a single scoring drive. Wilson found himself sacked three times, a clear reflection of the offensive line's inability to provide a secure pocket. Head coach Mike Tomlin has been candid about the detrimental impact of these shortcomings. "You've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general," Tomlin stated, emphasizing the need for significant improvement.
Tomlin also noted the lack of rhythm in the early parts of the game. "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. 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."
Adding to the team's woes, veteran center/guard Nate Herbig potentially faces season-ending surgery for a torn rotator. Rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is also sidelined with an injury, compounding the difficulties on the offensive line. The loss of Herbig and the absence of Fautanu leave glaring gaps that need immediate attention.
Defensive Struggles and Playmaker Performance
The struggles haven't been confined to the offensive side. On the defensive front, Greg Rousseau from the Bills exploited the inexperience of Broderick Jones, who was shifted to right tackle for the game, further illustrating the vulnerabilities within the Steelers' roster. Rousseau’s dominance serves as a microcosm for the broader struggles faced by Pittsburgh’s defense during this preseason.
Justin Fields, attempting to establish himself as a consistent playmaker, was also sacked. This underscores the overarching issue of protection that has plagued Pittsburgh's game plan. Fields has shown flashes of potential, but the lack of time in the pocket has hindered his ability to develop a rhythm and establish a consistent offensive tempo.
Coaches' Perspective
Mike Tomlin has been transparent with his team about the need for improvement. "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 expressed, underscoring his commitment to rectifying these issues before the regular season commences.
The upcoming preseason finale against the Detroit Lions represents a critical juncture for the Steelers. Tomlin will be closely monitoring the performance of his offensive line as he decides which quarterback will start in their final preseason game. This game is not just about finalizing the roster but also about building the foundational performance metrics that will carry the team into the regular season.
The stakes are clear for the Steelers, with the need for rapid adjustments and enhanced coordination on the offensive line a primary focal point. This preseason has been a testing ground for Pittsburgh, revealing both weaknesses to address and opportunities for improvement as the team gears up for the challenges ahead.