As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate through their preseason schedule, glaring issues on offense have surfaced, causing concern for fans and coaches alike. The offense has managed to put just 15 points on the board over the course of two preseason games, underscoring significant struggles in various aspects of their game.
In their most recent matchup, the Steelers faced a disappointing 9-3 loss, which brought their offensive challenges into sharp focus. Only three of those 15 points came when Justin Fields was on the field, highlighting the offense's inability to find a consistent rhythm.
Persistent Pass Protection Issues
A recurring theme in the Steelers' offensive woes has been the lack of adequate pass protection. This issue has significantly hindered Fields' ability to establish any form of offensive momentum. Russell Wilson, who played across five series against the Buffalo Bills, failed to lead a single scoring drive and was sacked three times, further illustrating the team's struggles in this critical area.
Head coach Mike Tomlin did not shy away from addressing the issue head-on. "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. "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."
Individual Matchups and Injuries
The struggles were particularly evident during individual matchups, such as Greg Rousseau from the Bills taking advantage of the inexperience of tackle Broderick Jones, who was moved to the right side for the game. Additionally, Fields was sacked once during the contest, adding to the overall problems in pass protection.
Compounding these issues, the team has been hit by injuries to key players on the offensive line. Veteran center/guard Nate Herbig may be out for the season due to a torn rotator, while rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu is also currently sidelined with an injury. These absences have further strained the Steelers' ability to protect their quarterbacks and maintain offensive balance.
Focusing on Solutions
Coach Tomlin emphasized the need for immediate improvement in protection schemes. "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. "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 approaching against the Detroit Lions, Tomlin is keeping a close eye on the performances of his offensive linemen. The upcoming game will be crucial in deciding which quarterback will start in Pittsburgh's final preseason outing. The head coach's decisions will likely hinge on the ability of the offensive line to protect the quarterback and generate a consistent offensive rhythm.
As the team looks to address these issues, the final preseason game serves as both a test and a valuable opportunity for adjustments. The Steelers' coaching staff and players alike will need to focus on enhancing their pass protection and overall offensive efficiency to ensure they are better prepared for the regular season ahead.