With only days left until the Pittsburgh Steelers' final preseason game, all eyes are on the team’s offense. Surprisingly, apprehension within the organization appears minimal.
Russell Wilson, recently debuting in the Steelers’ black and gold, remains unaffected by the spotlight. Wilson confirmed he would be suiting up for Saturday's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. "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," he stated. This game will mark the third consecutive outing for the first-team offense, which has yet to find the end zone this preseason.
Last week’s encounter with the Buffalo Bills ended in frustration, with Wilson orchestrating five drives that collectively failed to yield a single touchdown. The offense's struggles can be partly attributed to the frequent shuffling of the offensive line, creating a lack of cohesion and consistency. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has downplayed these preseason woes, noting that self-inflicted wounds have primarily hindered their progress.
Smith's conservative approach has also come under scrutiny. The Steelers’ offense, notorious for its dynamism, has been unusually reserved during this preseason. This game against the Lions presents an invaluable chance to rectify their issues and build momentum heading into their regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. "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 confidently, reflecting a belief in the team's potential and preparation.
A Crucial Test for the Offense
The upcoming match will be more than just a preseason finale; it’s a proving ground for an offense teeming with potential yet shackled by inconsistency. The focus on Saturday will not solely be on securing a win against the Lions but also on delivering a performance that cements confidence within the squad. Tight end Pat Freiermuth captured this sentiment perfectly, "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 Steelers are set to field their first-string offense for the third time this preseason, an opportunity to fine-tune their gameplay and silencing any whispers of doubt. An absence of scoring has undoubtedly been disappointing, but it's the self-inflicted errors—a reflection of lapses in discipline and practice—that have drawn the most concern. These will need addressing if the team aims to make a strong start to the season.
Beyond the Schematics
It’s not all about playbooks and formations; the Steelers’ locker room exudes determination and focus. This intangible quality often heralds success. While Wilson's recent addition has necessitarily grabbed headlines, the underlying teamwork and aspiration within the group have gone relatively unnoticed. The Lions game offers a final stage this preseason to showcase their collected efforts.
As the countdown to Saturday continues, the Steelers' priority will be to bring their offensive line together, eliminate unforced errors, and execute with precision. Saturday’s game is more than a dress rehearsal—it is a definitive statement for the offense. And as they prepare for the Falcons, confidence garnered this weekend could well be the most critical play they've yet to run.