As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue through their preseason schedule, offensive struggles have become a glaring issue for the team. Over the span of two preseason games, the Steelers’ offense has managed to score only 15 points, a figure that underscores the challenges they currently face.
The recent 9-3 loss on Saturday night highlighted these offensive woes. Particularly concerning is the fact that only three of those 15 points were scored with Justin Fields on the field, mainly due to persistent issues with pass protection. This lack of protection has made it nearly impossible for Fields to establish any sort of offensive rhythm.
Pass Protection Troubles
Russell Wilson’s performance in five series against the Buffalo Bills was similarly disheartening, as he was unable to orchestrate a single scoring drive. To make matters worse, Wilson was sacked three times during the course of the game. Head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized how damaging inadequate pass protection can be for the team. “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 noted.
Tomlin pointed out that the first few series of the game were particularly troubling, saying, “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.” This lack of rhythm and consistency has been a key issue for the Steelers, further complicating their offensive endeavors.
Injuries Compound Problems
The situation is further complicated by injuries along the offensive line. Nate Herbig, a veteran center/guard, is potentially out for the season due to a torn rotator. Additionally, rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is currently sidelined with an injury. These absences leave significant gaps in the offensive line, making it even more challenging for the team to provide adequate protection for their quarterbacks.
Greg Rousseau of the Bills highlighted these vulnerabilities when he exploited the inexperience of Broderick Jones, who had been moved to right tackle for the game. Adding to the woes, Justin Fields was sacked once, though the effects of that single sack were apparent in his disrupted performance.
Coach's Concerns and Looking Ahead
Head coach Mike Tomlin has been vocal about the pressing need to improve in this critical area. “We’ve got to do a better job in pass protection than we did — not only in possession downs but just in general,” Tomlin stated. He was forthright with his team regarding this issue, saying, “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.”
With the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on the horizon, Tomlin will be closely monitoring the offensive line’s performances. He needs to make crucial decisions about which quarterback will start in Pittsburgh’s final preseason game.
As the Steelers grapple with these challenges, the emphasis will inevitably be on bolstering their pass protection and ensuring their quarterbacks have the support they need to execute successful drives. While the preseason is a time for experimentation and adjustment, the lessons learned during these games will be crucial as they prepare for the regular season.