Mike Tomlin says the Steelers will not get a true look at their potential until they start winning more “possession downs”. With only one more preseason game left, they won’t have many more opportunities.
The Steelers were beaten by Buffalo, 9-3 on Saturday night. Russell Wilson made his Steelers’ debut at quarterback and was 8-for-10 for 47 yards passing, with a sack on each of the team’s first three offensive possessions. Justin Fields was 11-for-17 passing for 92 yards and he ran for 42, but the Steelers offensive line was manhandled by the Bills, particularly right tackle Broderick Jones, last year’s number one draft choice.
The coach says it’s tough to evaluate Wilson’s game because he didn’t get any support from his line.
Tomlin says the passing game can’t function if it can’t block.
Tomlin was disappointed in the offense’s performance in scoring position, where they were stopped twice on fourth down.
The injury report included running back Jaylen Warren, with a hamstring strain, and linebacker Payton Wilson, who left the game with a concussion. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich sprained an ankle and cornerback Anthony Averett injured a hamstring.
The biggest injury news of the weekend was the long-term loss of center Nate Herbig who was hurt in practice on Wednesday. Herbig is now reportedly out long-term with a torn rotator cuff, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. With top draft pick Troy Fautanu already out at least another week with a knee injury, it tests the depth on the offensive front. Zach Frazier takes over as the starting center.
The Steelers close the preseason on Saturday afternoon at Detroit.
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