Steelers’ Takeaways: Signs Of Life On Offense
Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
After a week filled with offensive concerns the Steelers and Lions squared off at Ford Field to close out the preseason. Despite the Lions taking home the victory, by a final score of 24-17, Pittsburgh put some of the pieces together for the first time in the preseason and maybe put some fans concerns at ease.
The Wilson-Pickens show is just beginning
Pittsburgh’s offense finally started out strong. Their opening drive was highlighted by Russell Wilson finding George Pickens for a long completion that gave Steelers fans a glimmer of passing hope heading into 2024.
Russell Wilson has always been able to throw one of the NFL’s better deep balls and if the O-line can look at least above average, George Pickens is the just the sort of guy that could benefit all season.
The Wilson-Pickens duo was joined in the home run threat category on Saturday. Midway through the third quarter, even though the offense largely stalled out after the first quarter, Dez Fitzpatrick caught a long pass from Kyle Allen in the third quarter for a huge gain. The catch put a nice cap on a stellar preseason for Fitzpatrick and the pending roster decision between he and Scotty Miller will be a tough one.
Dez Fitzpatrick with the BIG GAIN
📺: #PITvsDET on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/hmtFByh7HP— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2024
Cordarrelle Patterson still has gas left in the tank
Fans weren’t really sure what to expect with the signing of Cordarrelle Patterson, especially with Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris above him on the depth chart. In his first significant game action of the preseason, he had three carries for 31 yards. The final of his three carries more than made up for the play prior, in which he was swarmed in the backfield.
Cordarrelle Patterson with the touchdown 👀pic.twitter.com/CZuZq3cS3z
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) August 24, 2024
Patterson may be low on the totem pole in terms of playing time but he’ll be high on the potential side. He has the experience with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith(Patterson was with the Falcons during the entirety of Smith’s three year tenure as head coach) who has a clear ability to create magic with the long time NFL playmaker.
Patterson also has the ability to be a mentor in Smith’s offense to the young guys which may include another guy who scored on Saturday.
La'Mical Perine just walks it right in@steelers offense is rolling early
📺: #PITvsDET on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/pmuvkPQ0j3— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2024
Containing mobile quarterbacks is still a work in progress
Outside of an interception to former Detroit Lion Cameron Sutton the Lions’ backup quarterback had himself an impressive game on Saturday. Hendon Hooker completed 12 out of 20 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. But his throwing arm was hardly the story.
Hendon Hooker is a good backup quarterback 👀pic.twitter.com/pmzSZUJXcU
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) August 24, 2024
The Steelers’ inability to contain Hooker’s mobility was a deep concern, as he ran for 93 yards on ten carries. His rushes kept the Lions’ offensive drives alive and put the Steelers in tough spots. For a team that faces the likes of Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Anthony Richardson in 2024, let’s hope this is a simple case of preseason who cares.
A sign for optimism at least? – the Steelers sacked him five times. Who gets credit for that?
Linebackers had a strong game
Of the five sacks that Hooker took on Saturday, linebackers Nick Herbig and Julius Welschof were credited with four of them (they each had two apiece).
.@steelers @nickherbig_ is ready to impact in year 2. If you need linebackers go to #OnWisconsin. #herewego #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/SkIrnp8kK2
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 24, 2024
Julius Welschof another sack and this one on a stunt inside #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/Okkh2SocEy
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 24, 2024
While the latter of the two has a large uphill battle for playing time despite a strong preseason, Herbig is looking like a potential break out star.
“We’re going to find a role for a guy like that, whether he’s a starter or not,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s got an opportunity to be significant.”
Offensive line miscues must be fixed
Pittsburgh has worked hard to fix their offensive line after a dreadful era of protection since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. For the most part, they’ve done pretty well; in particular, Zach Frazier has had a strong preseason. However, a lapse in communication between Frazier and Justin Fields stalled an offensive drive.
Some miscommunication forces a punt for the #Steelers after an early snap from Zach Frazier to Justin Fields results in a fumble
— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) August 24, 2024
Elsewhere, offensive tackle Devery Hamilton had a rough game and did not do himself any favors in earning himself a roster spot in 2024. In particular, he allowed a strip sack on Justin Fields.
Devery Hamilton should get credit for this strip. lol #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/hUURVA8hSV
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 24, 2024
The Steelers have made significant improvements to their offensive line. Today’s miscues are very fixable as they head into a Week 1 showdown in Atlanta, where Arthur Smith is almost guaranteed to be greeted warmly by Falcons fans.
Up Next