Which Bills Face Pressure to Meet Expectations in Preseason vs. Steelers?

The Buffalo Bills are looking to bounce back from a lackluster preseason opener as they prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers . After failing to meet head coach Sean McDermott’s standards against the Chicago Bears , the team has another chance to sharpen their performance on today. With the starters expected to play at least one quarter, this game serves as a crucial opportunity for several players to make a statement.

One player under the microscope is offensive lineman Alec Anderson . The versatile lineman has been vying for the backup center role but struggled with consistency in the preseason opener. Anderson's issues with the center-quarterback exchange led to a false start penalty and a few high snaps.

During a joint practice with the Steelers, these struggles persisted, with reporters observing two fumbled snaps between Anderson and quarterback Mitch Trubisky during goal-line drills. While Anderson’s versatility makes him a valuable asset, he needs to demonstrate reliability at center to solidify his spot on the roster.

Speaking of Trubisky , the veteran quarterback also has something to prove. Despite being firmly entrenched as the Bills’ QB2, Trubisky's performance against the Bears left much to be desired. Completing 10 passes for 82 yards and rushing for an additional 12 yards, Trubisky’s showing was underwhelming.

Related: Bills Aim For Drastic Improvement vs. Steelers

However, the upcoming game against the Steelers, the team that released him after the 2023 season, could provide the perfect motivation for a bounce-back performance. Although his roster spot is secure, a strong outing could help regain confidence in his role as the primary backup to Josh Allen .

As the Bills gear up for this critical preseason test, the performances of Anderson and Trubisky will be closely watched. For these players, the game offers a chance to prove they can meet the high expectations set by the coaching staff and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.