Friday night proved to be a challenging outing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin as they faced a 20-12 preseason loss against the Houston Texans. The defeat extended beyond just the scoreline, exposing several critical issues on the field that raised concerns for the coaching staff and fans alike.
Throughout the game, the Steelers were plagued by numerous mistakes on both sides of the ball. These miscues were particularly alarming as the team looked anything but their polished selves, especially with the regular season quickly approaching.
Trouble on the Offensive Line
Among the night's troubling events was a significant setback for first-round pick Troy Fautanu. The promising offensive tackle suffered a knee injury during the game, disrupting the Steelers' plans for the offensive line. “Fautanu's injury wasn't serious, and he is only expected to be sidelined for two weeks,” Coach Tomlin reassured. However, this injury arrives at a crucial time, as the Steelers were exploring a lineup shift involving Broderick Jones moving to left tackle.
With Fautanu expected to miss the final two preseason games, the coaching staff must quickly adapt. Dan Moore Jr., a seasoned player who has started for Pittsburgh during his first three seasons, will likely be reinserted into the starting lineup. This necessity stems from the need to preserve stability on the line heading into the regular season.
On-Field Setbacks
Fautanu's troubles began when he encountered veteran pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, who bypassed the young tackle and delivered a punishing sack on quarterback Justin Fields. This incident not only highlighted the possible vulnerabilities within the Steelers’ offensive line but also served as a learning moment for Fautanu.
Meanwhile, wideout Roman Wilson continues his diligent work in rehabbing an ankle injury sustained late last month. Although Wilson’s timeline for return remains uncertain, his dedication to recovery is a positive sign for the Steelers as they look to strengthen their depth heading into the new season.
Depth and Resilience
Despite these setbacks, the Steelers remain cautiously optimistic. The team’s depth provides a cushion as they navigate these adversities. Nevertheless, Coach Tomlin and his staff have their tasks cut out for them. Every snap, tackle, and coaching decision becomes more critical with the regular season on the horizon.
The evolving lineup will undoubtedly be a focal point for the Steelers in the coming weeks. Seasoned players like Dan Moore Jr. are stepping up, providing a sense of stability and experience to a team navigating the turbulences of preseason.
Fans will be closely monitoring recovery updates and scrutinizing how effectively the team can minimize mistakes in the run-up to the regular season. Pittsburgh's quest for another successful campaign is as relentless as ever, marked by a resolve to bounce back from setbacks and showcase the resilience the franchise is known for.