Steelers’ offense struggles under Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

PITTSBURGH — For the second week in a row, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-unit offense did not put any factors on the board because the group dropped Saturday evening’s preseason sport to the Buffalo Payments  9-3.

This time, although, Russell Wilson — making his preseason debut — led the unit to its scoreless outing in 5 sequence, whereas Justin Fields’ unit mustered solely a area aim in 5 sequence of its personal.

Wilson, 35, accomplished 8 of 10 makes an attempt for 47 yards over 5 sequence. However the beginning offensive line gave up three sacks within the first three sequence for a lack of 21 yards, and the unit picked up just one first down whereas averaging a paltry 1.6 yards per play.

“We did not do a ok job of defending the quarterback,” coach Mike Tomlin stated. “We have to do a greater job in go safety than we did — not solely in possession downs however simply basically. I used to be actually up-front with the group about it in that regard, that may’t be an issue for us.”

Taking part in proper deal with, former first-round decide Broderick Jones gave up two of the sacks on Saturday evening. Rookie proper deal with Troy Fautanu, who sustained a knee damage within the earlier sport, did not play in opposition to the Payments. Jones declined interview requests after the sport.

As a result of the Steelers did not maintain drives with Wilson at quarterback, Tomlin stated it was troublesome to judge the veteran’s efficiency.

“It is considerably of an incomplete research since you simply do not get an opportunity to see them function or us function or us set up rhythm and persona whenever you’re not profitable possession downs,” Tomlin stated.

Wilson’s finest throw of the day got here on third-and-2 throughout his last sequence when he hit Van Jefferson over the center for an 11-yard achieve. That drive, although, stalled out a few performs later, and kicker Chris Boswell missed a 52-yard area aim.

“I used to be attempting to play in rhythm, attempting to get the ball out once we might after which additionally simply attempting to hold in there on the third down,” Wilson stated, evaluating his efficiency within the pocket.

Wilson, who injured his calf on the eve of coaching camp, stated he felt “nice” throughout the sport.

“I felt sturdy,” Wilson stated. “I wasn’t desirous about [my calf]. Anytime you may have an damage, typically in the event you’re frightened about it, you are behind your thoughts. You are desirous about it. Did not really feel that in any respect actually the previous week or so. And I felt actually good this previous week and all the pieces else. And so to play on the market tonight simply to get again on the market within the black and gold was actually cool.”

Previous to Saturday evening’s sport, Tomlin advised the Steelers’ web site that the competitors between Fields and Wilson would warmth up now that Wilson is again from his calf damage. When requested after the sport what he wanted to do to win the competitors, Wilson expressed confidence in his talents.

“I feel one of the best factor that I can do, personally, is simply keep constant in an strategy,” Wilson stated. “Had a bit bump within the highway with my calf. However one of the best half is I used to be on the market tonight and enjoying. … And I do know what I can do once I’m one hundred percent, I am getting shut.”

As soon as Wilson exited following his fifth sequence, Fields took over and completed the sport. Although Fields led the second unit to simply three factors previous to halftime, his group racked up 160 yards of offense and averaged 4.1 yards per play. Fields’ legs had been a difference-maker because the quarterback prolonged performs and picked up yards along with his ft.

Not solely did Fields lead the group with 92 passing yards on 11 of 17 makes an attempt, however he additionally led the Steelers with 42 dashing yards on eight carries — together with a 20-yard scamper in a two-minute drill.

“I am simply enjoying soccer on the market,” Fields stated. “On the finish of the day, if I obtained to run a bit bit extra, then that is what I’ve to do. However I do not go into video games saying that, ‘Oh, I will should run much more or exhibit my legs extra.’ I am simply reacting and enjoying soccer.”

The Steelers’ longest throw of the evening got here as Fields escaped what regarded like a sure-thing sack, rolling out to his left and discovering vast receiver Dez Fitzpatrick on the sideline for a 19-yard completion in a scramble drill.

“Sky is the restrict with that man,” Fitzpatrick stated. “Each time the ball’s in his arms, you may have an opportunity for explosive play. That is why us receivers simply all the time have to remain open. By no means suppose that the play is over with. Even in the event you suppose it is a sack or something, he’ll shed it, use his legs, 40-yard run or shed it. And it is precisely with the play with me, discover a receiver downfield.”