With the clock ticking down to the Pittsburgh Steelers' final preseason game, all eyes are on the team’s offense. Surprisingly, there is a notable lack of alarm surrounding their performance so far.
Russell Wilson, the team’s new quarterback, has just made his debut in black and gold. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been quick to downplay any concerns regarding their preseason struggles. Wilson has confirmed his participation in Saturday’s finale against the Detroit Lions, a game that presents the first-team offense with an opportunity to find its rhythm.
"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 stated with confidence.
This will be the third consecutive game in which the Steelers' top offensive unit takes the field. However, this unit has yet to reach the end zone, a concern that has not gone unnoticed. Last week's matchup against the Buffalo Bills saw Wilson leading five drives that failed to produce any points.
Offensive Struggles and Adjustments
Part of the offense's inconsistency can be attributed to the continuous shuffling of various offensive line combinations. This lack of stability has certainly hampered their ability to gel as a cohesive unit.
Self-inflicted wounds have also plagued the offense. Penalties and mistakes at key moments have stalled drives, preventing the team from building momentum. Additionally, Smith’s conservative approach in these preseason games has contributed to the underwhelming performance.
"Someone asked if we're concerned [about the offense]. Absolutely not, because of the level of practices we’ve had against one of the best defenses and how we've shown up there," said Wilson, maintaining a positive outlook.
Opportunity Against the Lions
The upcoming game against the Detroit Lions is seen as a crucial opportunity for the Steelers' offense to put something positive on tape. It’s a chance to build confidence and carry that momentum into their regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
The determination and focus within the Steelers’ locker room is evident. Players are aware that a strong performance against the Lions can set the tone for the season.
"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," said tight end Pat Freiermuth, echoing the sentiments of his teammates.
What to Watch For
The Steelers' offensive line will be under the microscope. Consistent protection for Wilson and creating running lanes will be crucial for a successful outing. Moreover, reducing penalties and executing plays efficiently will be key factors to watch.
Ultimately, the performance against the Lions will be closely monitored. While preseason games are not the definitive measure of a team’s potential, they provide valuable insights and build a foundation for the regular season. The Steelers are aiming to leave preseason on a high note, ready to face the challenges of the upcoming season head-on.
As the team prepares for their final preseason showdown, a collective sense of resolve and readiness permeates the locker room. The Steelers are poised to demonstrate that their offensive struggles are merely a temporary setback and not a forecast of what's to come.