As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their preseason campaign, offensive deficiencies have become increasingly problematic. Through two preseason games, the Steelers' offense has struggled to find its footing, scoring only 15 points in total.
The recent 9-3 loss on Saturday night was a stark reminder of these ongoing challenges. Notably, only three of those 15 points were scored with Justin Fields on the field, highlighting the offensive unit's difficulties in maintaining consistency.
Issues in Pass Protection
One of the critical factors contributing to the offensive struggles has been the team's persistent inability to provide adequate pass protection. Head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the detrimental impact this has had on their performance. "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.
Russell Wilson's performance against the Buffalo Bills further underscored these woes. Over five series, Wilson was unable to orchestrate a single scoring drive and was sacked three times. Tomlin candidly discussed the issue, stating, "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."
Challenges at Right Tackle
One specific area of concern has been the right tackle position. Broderick Jones, shifted to right tackle for the game, struggled against the Bills’ Greg Rousseau, who exploited Jones' inexperience. Consequently, the pressure on both quarterbacks was palpable. Justin Fields was sacked once, and the team failed to generate any offensive momentum.
The offensive line's struggles were made more acute by significant injuries. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig may be out for the season due to a torn rotator cuff, and rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is also sidelined with an injury. These absences have left the Steelers scrambling to find suitable replacements and have exacerbated their pass protection issues.
Looking to Improve
Coach Tomlin has been vocal about the need for improvement. "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did—not only in possession downs but just in general," he asserted. "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 prepare for their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, all eyes will be on the offensive line's performance. Tomlin will be closely monitoring the unit as he decides which quarterback will start in Pittsburgh's final preseason game. Ensuring that the offensive line can provide adequate protection will be vital for the Steelers to find their offensive rhythm and improve upon their early preseason struggles.
With the regular season on the horizon, the Steelers face a crucial period of adjustment. The team’s ability to address these offensive issues, particularly in pass protection, will play a significant role in their overall success. Coach Tomlin's emphasis on winning possession downs and establishing offensive rhythm will be critical as the team looks to find a cohesive and effective game plan moving forward.