With only days left until the Pittsburgh Steelers' final preseason game, the focus is squarely on the team's offense. Surprisingly, there is a notable absence of widespread concern.
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, fresh off his debut in black and gold, remains optimistic despite the team's preseason struggles. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has minimized the significance of these early challenges.
Wilson’s Outlook
Wilson, confident in his ability and eager for more playtime, confirmed 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," said Wilson. "I think the big thing for us is just executing, making our plays, and doing our thing."
Saturday’s game marks the third consecutive outing for the Steelers' first-team offense. Despite yet to reach the end zone, Wilson remains unfazed, underlining the importance of execution in these final moments before the regular season. "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," he explained.
Preseason Challenges
In the previous week's clash against the Buffalo Bills, Wilson led five unsuccessful drives, underscoring the ongoing issues plaguing the unit. The offensive line has been shuffled repeatedly, contributing significantly to the lack of cohesion and consistency. The offense has also been its own worst enemy at times, with self-inflicted wounds impeding progress.
Adding to these difficulties is Smith's conservative approach during the preseason, a factor that has certainly played a role in the offensive unit's struggles. Despite the challenges, the Steelers view the upcoming game against the Lions as an opportunity to create positive momentum heading into their regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Building Momentum
The performance against the Lions will be under intense scrutiny. The importance of this game isn’t lost on the team. Pat Freiermuth, the team's tight end, echoed Wilson's sentiments regarding the need for a strong finish. "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," he stated.
Locker Room Determination
The determination and focus within the Steelers' locker room are more apparent than ever. The team knows the significance of solidifying their offense before the regular season kicks off. As the final preseason game approaches, all eyes will be on how the first-team offense performs.
The next few days will be crucial for the Steelers. With the regular season on the horizon, the offensive unit must address its issues and find the end zone against the Lions. Success in this final preseason game could very well set the tone for the challenges that lie ahead.