PITTSBURGH — For the second straight week, the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-unit offense failed to score points as the team fell 9-3 in a preseason game to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night.
This time, however, Russell Wilson, making his preseason debut, led the unit to a scoreless start on five drives, while Justin Fields' unit managed just one field goal on five drives of its own.
Wilson, 35, completed 8 of 10 attempts for 47 yards in five series. But the starting offensive line allowed three sacks in the first three series, for a loss of 21 yards, and the unit managed just one first down while averaging just 1.6 yards per play.
“We didn't do a good job protecting the quarterback,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “We've got to do a better job of pass protection than we did, not just in possession situations but in general. I was very candid with the group in that regard, that can't be an issue for us.”
Playing right tackle, former first-round pick Broderick Jones allowed two of the sacks Saturday night. Rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu, who suffered a knee injury in the previous game, did not play against the Bills. Jones declined interview requests after the game.
Because the Steelers couldn't sustain drives with Wilson at quarterback, Tomlin said it was difficult to evaluate the veteran's performance.
“It's a bit of an incomplete study because you just don't get a chance to watch them operate or watch us operate or watch us establish rhythm and personality when you're not winning possessions,” Tomlin said.
Wilson's best pass of the day came on third-and-2 during his final drive, when he hit Van Jefferson over the middle for an 11-yard gain. That drive stalled a couple of plays later, however, and kicker Chris Boswell missed a 52-yard field goal.
“I was trying to play with pace, trying to get the ball out when we could and also trying to hold on on third down,” Wilson said, assessing his performance in the pocket.
Wilson, who injured his calf on the eve of training camp, said he felt “really good” during the game.
“I felt strong,” Wilson said. “I wasn't thinking about… [my calf]”Whenever you have an injury, sometimes if you're worried about it, you're kind of on the back burner. You're thinking about it. I didn't really feel that at all last week. And I felt really good last week and everything else. So to play out there tonight and get back out there in black and gold was really great.”
Before Saturday night's game, Tomlin told the Steelers' website that the competition between Fields and Wilson would intensify now that Wilson has recovered from his calf injury. Asked after the game what he needed to do to win the competition, Wilson expressed confidence in his abilities.
“I think the best thing I can do, personally, is stay consistent in my approach,” Wilson said. “I had a little bump in the road with my calf. But the best thing is that tonight I was out there playing. … And I know what I can do when I'm 100 percent, I'm close to doing it.”
Once Wilson came out after his fifth drive, Fields took over and put the game away. Although Fields led the second unit to just three points before halftime, his group racked up 160 yards of offense and averaged 4.1 yards per play. Fields' legs made the difference, as the quarterback extended plays and gained yards with his feet.
Fields not only led the team with 92 passing yards on 11-of-17 attempts, but he also led the Steelers with 42 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 20-yard run in a two-minute drill.
“I'm just playing football,” Fields said. “At the end of the day, if I have to run a little bit more, then that's what I have to do. But I don't go into games saying, 'Oh, I'm going to have to run a lot more or show my legs more.' I'm just reacting and playing football.”
The Steelers' longest pass of the night came when Fields escaped what looked like a sure catch, rolling to his left and finding wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick on the sideline for a 19-yard completion on a scramble drill.
“With this guy, there are no limits,” Fitzpatrick said. “Whenever the ball is in his hands, you have the opportunity to make an explosive play. That's why we as receivers always have to stay open. Never think the play is over. Even if you think it's a sack or something, he's going to get rid of it, use his legs, run 40 yards or get rid of it. And that's exactly the play I have to make, find a receiver down the field.”
