With the final preseason game looming, the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense is in the spotlight, yet there's a surprising absence of widespread concern. Set to face the Detroit Lions on Saturday, the team looks to use this match as a launchpad into the regular season.
Wilson's Steady Approach
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is coming off his debut in black and gold. His presence brings a sense of calm and experience to the offense, despite the struggles they have faced in the preseason. Wilson reassures both fans and teammates with his poised attitude.
"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," said Wilson. His confidence undoubtedly helps keep the morale high within the locker room, especially as the team prepares for their final test before the regular season.
Offensive Struggles and Smith's Conservative Approach
So far, the Steelers' first-team offense has yet to find the end zone in their preseason outings. Last week's clash against the Buffalo Bills saw Wilson leading five drives that failed to produce points, highlighting the offense's inconsistency. Key issues have included the continual shuffling of various offensive line combinations and a series of self-inflicted wounds, compounding the unit's struggles.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has downplayed these struggles, emphasizing the value of their practices against one of the league's top defenses. "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 echoed Smith's sentiment, placing trust in their preparation and potential.
Smith's conservative approach during these preseason games has also been a significant factor. While it has possibly prevented more glaring mistakes, it has also limited opportunities for the offense to test its limits and find a rhythm. The game against the Lions thus presents a pivotal moment for the unit to shift gears and demonstrate their capabilities.
Eyes on the Detroit Clash
The upcoming game against the Lions will be more than just a dress rehearsal—it’s an opportunity to change the narrative around the preseason. For the third consecutive game, the first-team offense will take the field. This consistency in manpower should help the unit gel and potentially bring about more effective play.
"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. His words underscore the collective determination and focus within the Steelers’ locker room to end the preseason on a high note.
Aiming for Momentum
The offense's performance against the Lions will be closely monitored. They have yet to put anything significant on tape, and this game represents their last chance to build momentum before the games start to count. A strong showing can instill confidence and serve as a foundation for the regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
The spotlight may be on the Steelers’ offense, but the level of concern remains minimal, thanks to the seasoned leadership of Russell Wilson and the experience of their coaching staff. The game against the Lions offers a critical juncture—a chance to eradicate doubts and enter the season with assurance, propelled by the collective resolve seen within the team.