As the Pittsburgh Steelers advance through their preseason schedule, glaring issues within their offense are becoming increasingly evident. Across two preseason matchups, the Steelers have only managed to score a dismal 15 points, a troubling statistic for a team looking to make waves in the regular season.
Their recent 9-3 loss highlights the ongoing struggles. Despite battling hard, the Steelers failed to produce any offensive fireworks. Quarterback Justin Fields was able to contribute just three of those 15 points during his time on the field, hindered significantly by a lack of pass protection that stymied offensive momentum.
Challenges in Pass Protection
Head coach Mike Tomlin did not mince words on the critical impact of the offensive line's deficiencies. “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,” he commented. The first few series of the game, characterized by three-and-outs, left little room for the offense to find its rhythm.
Tomlin further critiqued the lack of protection for Fields. “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.” His remarks underscore how the offensive line’s failures have left the team struggling to find consistency.
Russell Wilson shared a similar fate across five series against the Buffalo Bills, unable to engineer a single scoring drive. Sacked three times, Wilson’s attempts to move the chains were frequently disrupted by the Bills’ aggressive defense. This left Tomlin acutely aware of the need for improved protection, noting, “We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general.”
Injury Woes
The offensive line’s deficiencies have been magnified by key injuries. Nate Herbig's potential season-ending torn rotator has left a significant gap. Additionally, rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is currently sidelined, adding pressure on the remaining linemen. These absences are felt acutely by a line that’s already struggling to fend off opposing defenses.
Individual Performances and Adjustments
One specific area of concern was the performance of Broderick Jones, who was shifted to right tackle for the game. Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau took advantage of Jones' inexperience, further stifling the Steelers' offensive efforts. Justin Fields, too, found himself on the wrong side of a sack that added to the team’s cumulative struggles.
The importance of stopping opponents on possession downs cannot be overstated. Tomlin emphasized, “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.” His straightforward approach aims to galvanize the squad into addressing these critical issues before they become insurmountable.
Looking Toward the Finale
As the Steelers gear up for their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Tomlin’s focus will be squarely on evaluating the offensive line. The upcoming game will be crucial in assessing who steps onto the field as their starting quarterback for the final preseason outing. It is a pivotal moment for the team, one where the performance of the offensive line could have lasting implications for their regular season roster and strategy.
With high stakes and significant questions to answer, the Steelers' journey through the preseason continues to unfold with each game offering insights into areas that demand improvement. Coach Tomlin and his team are well aware of the challenges ahead, and the hope is that they can rise above the current obstacles to form a more cohesive, stronger unit as the regular season approaches.