The Steelers' preseason has not gone according to plan so far. Despite the change at offensive coordinator, with the hiring of former Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith , and the ongoing starting quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields , Pittsburgh has yielded just 15 points through two games.
And sure, as Smith pointed out when speaking of the Steelers' offensive struggles, the preseason can "distort" reality, as the main objective is to evaluate players on the roster. It is hard to pass over that neither Fields nor Wilson have been able to find success putting points on the board with the first-team offense.
But that could all change on Saturday when Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will treat the preseason game as a "dry rehearsal" for the starters.
Aug 28, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (left) and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell (right) shake hands after the game at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 19-9.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
"Our mindset regarding this game is kind of a unique one, probably because we're trying to get the best of both worlds," Tomlin said. "This is our third preseason game, and historically, the third preseason game has been a dry rehearsal for the regulars, and we have that mentality."
While this game will also be one last chance for the Steelers to evaluate some of the players on the fringe of being cut, it could also be their chance to send a statement about their offense.
We aren't saying they should throw the book at the Lions, as they certainly shouldn't, but seeing the first-team offense put together a few productive drives could help ease fans' concerns.
But while the Steelers are treating this as another chance to prepare their starters for their Week 1 season opener versus the Falcons, their opponents Saturday, the Lions, are expected to rest most of their stars. However, that should play even more to the Steelers' benefit, especially for their first-team offense.
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