PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-team offense continued to struggle, failing to score for the second consecutive week during Saturday night’s preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills, which ended in a 9-3 loss.
This week, it was Russell Wilson, making his preseason debut, who struggled to lead the offense. Wilson’s unit ended its five drives without any points, while Justin Fields’ squad managed to secure just a single field goal across five series.
Wilson finished the game having completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but faced significant challenges with the offensive line, which allowed three sacks in the opening three drives, resulting in a loss of 21 yards. The offense managed to secure only one first down, averaging just 1.6 yards per play.
Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the team’s need for improvement, saying, “We didn’t do a good enough job of protecting the quarterback. We’ve got to do a better job in pass protection, not only in possession downs but just in general. I was really straightforward with the group about it; that can’t be a problem for us.”
Former first-round draft pick Broderick Jones, playing right tackle, was responsible for two of the sacks. Rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu, nursing a knee injury from a previous game, did not participate against the Bills. Jones opted not to speak to the media following the game.
Tomlin noted the difficulties in evaluating Wilson’s performance due to the lack of sustained drives. “It’s somewhat of an incomplete study because you don’t get a chance to see them operate or us establish rhythm and personality when you’re not winning possession downs,” he said.
Wilson’s most notable play occurred on a third-and-2 during his final series when he connected with Van Jefferson for an 11-yard gain. However, that drive stalled shortly after, culminating in kicker Chris Boswell missing a 52-yard field goal attempt.
Reflecting on his performance, Wilson said, “I was trying to play in rhythm, trying to get the ball out when we could and also just trying to hang in there on third down.” He expressed feeling “great” during the game after an injury to his calf had limited him prior to training camp.
“I felt strong,” Wilson stated. “I wasn’t thinking about [my calf]. Anytime you have an injury, sometimes if you’re worried about it, it’s in the back of your mind. Didn’t feel that at all really this past week.”
Before the game, Tomlin had mentioned that the competition between Wilson and Fields would intensify with Wilson returning from his calf issue. When asked about his approach during the competition, Wilson shared, “I think the best thing that I can do, personally, is just stay consistent in an approach. Had a little bump in the road with my calf, but the best part is I was out there tonight and playing.”
After Wilson’s departure, Fields took over the reins and completed the game. Although Fields led the second unit to only three points before halftime, his performance was notable with 160 yards of offense and an average of 4.1 yards per play. Fields demonstrated his mobility by extending plays and gaining yards on the ground.
Fields ended the night with 92 passing yards, completing 11 of 17 attempts, alongside 42 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 20-yard run during a two-minute drill. “I’m just playing football out there,” Fields remarked. “At the end of the day, if I’ve got to run a little bit more, then that’s what I have to do. I’m just reacting and playing football.”
Fields showcased his ability to evade pressure, delivering the longest pass of the night to wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick for a 19-yard completion while escaping a potential sack. Fitzpatrick praised Fields, saying, “Sky’s the limit with that guy. Whenever the ball’s in his hands, you have a chance for an explosive play.”