As the Pittsburgh Steelers forge ahead into their preseason schedule, the struggles on offense have become a glaring issue. Over the course of two preseason games, the Steelers' offense has managed to score a mere 15 points, which raises significant concerns heading into the crucial stages of preparation for the regular season.
Offensive Woes
The team's 9-3 loss on Saturday night underscored these challenges. Most notably, only three of those 15 points came with Justin Fields on the field. Despite some promising moments, the persistent lack of pass protection hindered any opportunity for Fields to establish a consistent offensive rhythm.
Russell Wilson, another key figure in the Steelers' lineup, faced similar issues. Across five series against the Buffalo Bills, Wilson was unable to orchestrate a single scoring drive. This was compounded by the fact that he was sacked three times, underscoring the offensive line's struggles to safeguard the quarterback.
Issues in Pass Protection
Head coach Mike Tomlin was candid in his assessment, emphasizing 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. "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 stressed the necessity for improvement in protecting the quarterback. "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general," he noted. His frustration was evident as he elaborated, "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."
Challenges on the Offensive Line
The offensive line issues were further highlighted by specific performances. Greg Rousseau from the Bills exploited the inexperience of Broderick Jones, who was moved to right tackle for the game. Justin Fields found himself sacked once, and considering this compounded with Wilson's three sacks, it painted a grim picture of the Steelers' pass protection capabilities.
Moreover, the team is dealing with significant injuries along the offensive line. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig is potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator, and rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is also currently sidelined with an injury. These absences only magnify the challenges for the Steelers as they attempt to stabilize an already shaky offensive line.
Looking Ahead
With the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions looming, Tomlin faces critical decisions. The aim is to deploy a more experienced offensive line group in hopes of providing better protection and giving the quarterbacks a fair chance to demonstrate their capabilities. Tomlin will be closely monitoring the offensive line performances as he decides which quarterback will start in Pittsburgh's final preseason game.
The Steelers’ approach to the Lions game will be pivotal. It’s not just about securing a preseason win but about ensuring that the offensive unit can function effectively under game conditions. The coming days will reveal much about the adjustments they make and whether the much-needed improvements in pass protection can come to fruition.
As the Steelers address these pressing issues, the focus will remain firmly on the offensive line's performance and its ability to provide the stability the quarterbacks need to succeed. The stakes are high, and the evaluation process will be crucial in determining their readiness for the forthcoming NFL season.