The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very impressive start to the 2023 preseason with a 27-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Every part of the team worked well, but none worked better than the first-team offense, led by Kenny Pickett. The signal-caller was near perfect in his first and only drive, finishing the march with a 33-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens. The offense was a well-oiled machine and looked like it couldn't be stopped.
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George Pickens (#14) Celebrates Two-Point Conversion
No player was more impressed with the offense's performance that leading running back, Najee Harris. although he wasn't involved in the rushing attack during the first preseason game, Harris got to observe how well the offense moved. Harris explained in a locker room interview that he was ecstatic that the offense was able to execute plays correctly and move down the field how they wanted to.
"[We were] executing the plays, moving fast, understanding what we want, what type of defense was out there, it was good. The communicating was good."
Harris has always been confident in his team and asserts that everyone knows their role within the offense, and that everyone can get involved at some point throughout a game. The preseason is also one of the best times to get everyone involved, as almost every player on the current roster gets some playing time.
The preseason is utilized to find starters, depth players, see how rookies will perform, and learn of some surprise players that deserve a little more attention. Harris is excited to have everyone involved and is looking forward to upcoming preseason games so the team can build on their chemistry and confidence coming from this first win.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris
"We always believed in ourselves, even last year. We've always seen what we can be. The way that we came out here and stuck together, and just us bonding this offseason, it's just been really good."
Harris is looking forward to a bigger role in the rushing game come the regular season. He is an integral piece in what will become a high-confidence, powerful Steelers offense. Harris pairing with the impressive air raid of Pickett could create a refreshing, smooth offense. Big expectations have been put on the players' shoulders, and they seem to be living for it.
How Good Was Good?
It's been nothing but praise for the Steelers and the start to their 2023 preseason. But how well did they actually perform, and is this reaction warranted? Let's look at a breakdown of the offense.
The Steelers offense gained a total of 340 yards against the Buccaneers. During his drive, Pickett went 6/7 with 70 yards and a touchdown, which was the 33-yarder to Pickens. Pickett finished with a 147.9 quarterback rating. Mason Rudolph also looked solid in his debut, going 7/12 with 132 yards and a touchdown. His lone touchdown was a 67-yard strike to Calvin Austin III, who showcased his incredible speed and elusiveness.
Connor Heyward also proved to be reliable in the passing game, catching both of his targets for 34 yards. Other players that were showcased include Anthony McFarland Jr., Diontae Johnson, Jaylen Warren and Hakeem Butler.
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Steelers' Kenny Pickett readies to throw a pass against the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
How Will the Steelers' Offense Improve?
As good as the offense looked, there is always room for improvement. The offensive line looked a little shaky throughout the game. Rookie tackle, Broderick Jones had a couple of plays he would want to take back, but overall was a decent blocker. Kendrick Green did not have a good day at center, consistently missing blocks, letting up tackles for loss or sacks as well as an errant snap.
Depth wide receivers like Jordan Byrd, Gunner Olszewski and Darnell Washington need to work on their release and separation. All of them were not effective catching the ball, and many struggled to gain separation away from the Buccaneers defensive backs. However, the leaders of the core, Pickens, Johnson, and Austin III all performed at or above expectations.
How do you think the Steelers' offense performed in their first preseason game? Do you think they are worthy of all the high praise? Tell us your thoughts in a comment!
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