As the Pittsburgh Steelers plow through their preseason, the team's offensive woes have emerged as a significant concern. Across two preseason games, the Steelers' offense has managed to muster only 15 points, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.
Struggles on Display
The lackluster offensive performance was particularly evident in the recent 9-3 defeat against their opponents. Alarmingly, only three of those 15 points came when Justin Fields was on the field. This underscores a persistent problem: the offense's inability to protect their quarterback, which has severely hampered any chance to develop a consistent rhythm.
Fields' plight is emblematic of a broader issue. Russell Wilson, leading the charge across five series against the Buffalo Bills, was unable to conduct a single scoring drive. The offensive line's inability to safeguard him saw Wilson sacked three times, underscoring the crucial need for improved pass protection.
Coach Tomlin Speaks Out
Head coach Mike Tomlin has been vocal about the repercussions 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, emphasizing how initial series failures set the tone for the game.
Tomlin noted the first few series were particularly problematic. "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," he added. The recurring issues on the offensive line are hindering the team's ability to execute its game plan effectively.
Targeting Improvements
With veteran center/guard Nate Herbig potentially sidelined for the season due to a torn rotator, and rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu also injured, the challenges mount. These absences place greater pressure on the rest of the line, exposing their inexperience. For instance, Broderick Jones, who was moved to right tackle for the game, struggled against the Bills' Greg Rousseau, with Justin Fields suffering as a result.
Tomlin highlighted the need for substantial improvements in pass protection. "We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did -- not only in possession downs but just in general," he stated. Reflecting a sense of urgency, he continued, "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."
Looking Ahead to the Preseason Finale
As the Steelers gear up for their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Tomlin will have his eyes firmly on the offensive line's performance. The outcome of this evaluation will play a significant role in deciding which quarterback will take the start in Pittsburgh's final preseason game.
Their preseason record might not carry over to the regular season, but these games provide a crucial window to diagnose and rectify issues. For Pittsburgh, the focus now lies on fortifying their protection schemes to sustain a more efficient and effective offensive unit. The preseason woes might just be a harbinger, but if the fix comes in time, it might also serve as a timely wake-up call.