Offense struggles again in second preseason game
The starting offense has failed to score a touchdown in six preseason possessions. The rookie running back being counted on to help jump-start the rushing game lasted just four carries before getting injured for a second time in the past three weeks. And an offensive line that was being touted as one of the team strengths looked like the Keystone Cops.
No, the Steelers didn’t exactly light the world afire in their second preseason game, a 24-13 loss at Washington against the Redskins Monday night.
“We have gotten a little better in some areas but obviously not enough to win the game, and that’s what we came to do,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “We didn’t get that done because we were highly penalized, and that not only put us behind the drive but made conversions more difficult. … Obviously, we are not finishing drives. Execution needs to improve in that area. We turned the football over three times in the first half.
“We need to get better in a hurry.”
The Steelers have just two more preseason games before their Sept. 9 regular season opener at Heinz Field against Tennessee. But quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who threw an interception that linebacker Ryan Kerrigan returned for a touchdown in the first quarter, cautions against reading too much into preseason struggles.
“We’re saving our touchdowns for the regular season,” said Roethlisberger, who is 9 of 14 for 102 yards in the preseason.
“Our goal in the first two games, we haven’t really game planned, but we said, ‘Let’s feature the running backs. Let’s run the ball.’ That’s why I’m not putting too much stock into what’s happening right now.”
Rookie running back Le’Veon Bell, a second-round draft pick, got the start against the Redskins and carried the ball on the game’s first four plays from scrimmage. But he gained just nine yards and left with a mid-foot sprain.
Bell underwent an MRI Tuesday, the results of which were not known Tuesday night, and was at the team facility in a walking boot.
With Bell sidelined and veterans Isaac Redman (shoulder) and LaRod Stephens-Howling (knee) sitting out with minor injuries, Jonathan Dwyer got the bulk of the work carrying the ball. He finished with 68 yards on 14 carries, adding two receptions for 12 yards. But he also lost a fumble in what was a mistake-filled first half for the Steelers.
“He had his moments,” said Tomlin.
Unfortunately for Tomlin, the offensive line did not. For the second consecutive preseason game, Roethlisberger was pressured in his limited playing time, and the starting unit drew a number of penalties. Overall, the Steelers have been called for 15 penalties in two games.
Considering the Redskins likely didn’t put in a lot of film study prior to the game, the Steelers have to be a little disconcerted.
“I would say we did a good job of messing it up on our own,” said left tackle Mike Adams. “I don’t think they did anything special. I just think we have to execute better and get better.”
That would be the case for the entire offense. And Tomlin is ready to try just about anything to fix it.
They have just five days to make that happen. The Steelers host Kansas City Saturday in their third preseason game.
“We have to practice how we intend to play,” said Tomlin. “We may have an official or two at our practice next week to help us in that regard.”
Odds and end zones
The Steelers had two interceptions against the Redskins, one each by safety Damon Cromartie-Smith and cornerback Devin Smith. … Bell and Redman remain listed as co-starters at running back. They have combined for six preseason carries for 16 yards.