With only days remaining until the Pittsburgh Steelers' final preseason game, all eyes are on the team's offense. Yet, despite the increased scrutiny, there is a surprising air of calm within the organization.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who made waves with his debut in black and gold, exudes confidence as he confirms his participation in Saturday's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. "We’re playing. We're all playing. I'm excited to get back onto the field," Wilson said. "I think the big thing for us is just executing, making our plays and doing our thing."
The upcoming game will mark the third consecutive outing for the Steelers' first-team offense, a unit that has struggled to find the end zone through the preseason. This lack of scoring was evident in their recent clash against the Buffalo Bills, where Wilson led five drives that all ended without points. The inconsistency is not solely on the quarterback's shoulders; a continual shuffle of offensive line combinations has undeniably disrupted their rhythm.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, however, has remained unfazed by these preseason setbacks. He has downplayed the struggles, suggesting that the team’s true capabilities are not accurately reflected in these early games. Wilson echoes his sentiments, dismissing the idea of widespread concern. "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," Wilson asserted.
Indeed, the preseason is often a time for experimentation and fine-tuning rather than definitive judgments. Yet, it cannot be ignored that the Steelers' offensive unit has been plagued by self-inflicted wounds. Penalties, missed assignments, and a conservative play-calling approach have all contributed to their struggles. Smith's strategy of holding back some of the playbook in these warm-up games may also be a factor.
Saturday's matchup against the Lions represents a critical opportunity for the Steelers to shift the narrative. As Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers' tight end, put it, "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."
The determination and focus within the Steelers’ locker room are palpable. The players and coaching staff recognize the importance of generating momentum ahead of their regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. A strong performance against the Lions could set a positive tone, giving both the team and its fans something to rally around.
While the offense has yet to showcase its full potential, the upcoming game offers a chance to correct course. Consistency on the offensive line and reducing the self-inflicted errors will be crucial. Additionally, if Smith decides to unveil more of his playbook, it could provide a much-needed spark.
As the Steelers gear up for their final preseason test, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Wilson and the first-team offense. The outcome of this game may not define their season, but it could certainly influence the team's mindset as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
For now, the standard in Pittsburgh remains high, and the focus is clear: execute, eliminate mistakes, and enter the regular season with confidence. The game against the Lions may be just a preseason finale on paper, but for the Steelers, it’s an essential step towards achieving their season goals.