The Pittsburgh Steelers' preseason struggles on offense have become increasingly apparent as they prepare for the regular season. Through two preseason games, the Steelers' offense has managed to accumulate just 15 points, pointing to significant challenges that need to be addressed.
The recent 9-3 defeat against the Buffalo Bills only emphasized the offensive woes. The team’s inability to protect the pass left quarterback Justin Fields and his colleagues unable to find a rhythm, managing a mere three points with Fields on the field. Head coach Mike Tomlin has openly acknowledged the detrimental impact of this weak pass protection.
Challenges in 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, highlighting the difficulty in assessing the offense's potential. "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."
The statistics from Saturday night’s game reinforce Tomlin's frustration. Russell Wilson, across five series, failed to orchestrate a single scoring drive and was sacked three times. Meanwhile, Justin Fields was taken down once, further underscoring the team's ongoing issues with pass protection.
Injury Woes Compound Problems
Adding to the Steelers' difficulties, key injuries have started to pile up. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig is potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator, and rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is currently sidelined with an injury. These absences may force less experienced players into critical roles, an unsettling scenario as the regular season looms.
Notably, Greg Rousseau from the Bills leveraged these vulnerabilities, particularly exploiting the inexperience of Broderick Jones, who was moved to right tackle for the game. Tomlin is well aware of the need for improvement in this area. "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did—not only in possession downs but just in general," he said. "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."
Preseason Finale: A Critical Test
The Steelers will face the Detroit Lions in their preseason finale, a crucial match where Tomlin will closely evaluate the performance of the offensive line. His decision on the starting quarterback for the final preseason game will likely hinge on how well the line can protect and provide opportunities for offensive rhythm and continuity.
As the team attempts to navigate through injuries and inconsistent play, the coaching staff's primary focus will be on fortifying the offensive line and establishing a foundation that can support the team's offensive ambitions. The outcomes of these preseason tests will be pivotal in setting the tone for the Steelers' upcoming season, as they aim to mitigate their current setbacks and find stability on the field.