Pittsburgh Steelers' Offense Under Microscope as Preseason Finale Looms
As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach their final preseason game, the spotlight intensifies on an offense that has yet to see the end zone, but there's a notable absence of widespread concern within the team. With the preseason drawing to a close, the Steelers are eager to put together a strong performance against the Detroit Lions, setting the stage for their regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who is fresh off his debut in the Steelers' iconic black and gold, remains optimistic despite the offense's struggles in the warm-up games. “We’re playing. We're all playing. I'm excited to get back onto the field. ... I think the big thing for us is just executing, making our plays and doing our thing,” Wilson shared ahead of the upcoming contest.
The upcoming game will mark the third consecutive outing for the Steelers' first-team offense, a unit that has yet to find its rhythm and score a touchdown. Last week's game against the Buffalo Bills saw Wilson leading five drives, none of which culminated in a score. The offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, has acknowledged these struggles but maintains a calm demeanor, suggesting the issues are part of the preseason process.
The churning of the offensive line, with various combinations being tested, has added to the inconsistency faced by the unit. Self-inflicted errors have also played a critical role in the offense’s lackluster performances thus far. Smith’s conservative play-calling style has not gone unnoticed and is believed to be another contributing factor to the team's inability to convert drives into points.
Despite these setbacks, Wilson's confidence in the team’s potential remains unwavering. “Someone asked if we're concerned [about the offense]. Absolutely not because the level of practices we’ve had against one of the best defenses and how we've shown up there,” Wilson remarked, referring to the high level of competitiveness shown during practice sessions against a formidable defensive squad.
The upcoming clash with the Lions presents a crucial opportunity for the offense to gain some momentum and confidence. Steelers' tight end Pat Freiermuth underscored the importance of this game, stating, “We talked about it as an offense, finishing off this last game with a bang and executing so we don’t go into Atlanta second-guessing ourselves. We want that good taste in our mouths.”
Indeed, the determination and focus within the Steelers’ locker room are palpable. The team is acutely aware that a strong performance on Saturday could serve as a springboard into the regular season, alleviating any lingering doubts and setting a positive tone for the campaign ahead. The offensive unit is particularly motivated to eliminate the self-inflicted wounds that have hindered their progress and to demonstrate their true capabilities.
With their quarterback poised to participate in the preseason finale, the Steelers are looking to iron out their issues and showcase a cohesive, effective offense that can be carried into the regular season. The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Wilson and the first-team offense to see if they can finally break through and deliver a performance that instills confidence in their faithful fan base.
As the clock ticks down to the kickoff against the Lions, the Steelers know that the eyes of the league will be on them. The results of this final preseason test could be pivotal in shaping the narrative around the team’s potential and setting the stage for what they hope will be a successful 2023 season.