PITTSBURGH — For the second week in a row, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-unit offense did not put any factors on the board because the staff dropped Saturday night time’s preseason recreation to the Buffalo Payments 9-3.
This time, although, Russell Wilson — making his preseason debut — led the unit to its scoreless outing in 5 collection, whereas Justin Fields’ unit mustered solely a area objective in 5 collection of its personal.
Wilson, 35, accomplished 8 of 10 makes an attempt for 47 yards over 5 collection. However the beginning offensive line gave up three sacks within the first three collection 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 got to do a greater job in go safety than we did — not solely in possession downs however simply usually. 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 sort out, former first-round choose Broderick Jones gave up two of the sacks on Saturday night time. Rookie proper sort out Troy Fautanu, who sustained a knee harm within the earlier recreation, did not play towards 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 examine since you simply do not get an opportunity to see them function or us function or us set up rhythm and character while you’re not profitable possession downs,” Tomlin stated.
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Wilson’s greatest throw of the day got here on third-and-2 throughout his last collection when he hit Van Jefferson over the center for an 11-yard acquire. That drive, although, stalled out a few performs later, and kicker Chris Boswell missed a 52-yard area objective.
“I used to be making an attempt to play in rhythm, making an attempt to get the ball out after we may after which additionally simply making an attempt 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” through the recreation.
“I felt sturdy,” Wilson stated. “I wasn’t excited about [my calf]. Anytime you might have an harm, generally when you’re nervous about it, you are at the back of your thoughts. You are excited 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 night time’s recreation, Tomlin instructed the Steelers’ web site that the competitors between Fields and Wilson would warmth up now that Wilson is again from his calf harm. When requested after the sport what he wanted to do to win the competitors, Wilson expressed confidence in his skills.
“I feel one of the best factor that I can do, personally, is simply keep constant in an strategy,” Wilson stated. “Had somewhat bump within the street with my calf. However one of the best half is I used to be on the market tonight and taking part in. … And I do know what I can do after I’m one hundred percent, I am getting shut.”
As soon as Wilson exited following his fifth collection, Fields took over and completed the sport. Although Fields led the second unit to only three factors previous to halftime, his group racked up 160 yards of offense and averaged 4.1 yards per play. Fields’ legs have been a difference-maker because the quarterback prolonged performs and picked up yards together with his ft.
Not solely did Fields lead the staff with 92 passing yards on 11 of 17 makes an attempt, however he additionally led the Steelers with 42 speeding yards on eight carries — together with a 20-yard scamper in a two-minute drill.
“I am simply taking part in soccer on the market,” Fields stated. “On the finish of the day, if I acquired to run somewhat 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 showcase my legs extra.’ I am simply reacting and taking part in soccer.”
The Steelers’ longest throw of the night time got here as Fields escaped what seemed 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. “Every time the ball’s in his fingers, you might 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 when 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.”