Steelers First Team Offense Is Absolutely Dazzling In 2nd Preseason Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers played in their second preseason game of the 2023 season on Saturday night against the Buffalo Bills. After a near-perfect performance in their first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the first team offense was looking to continue their terrific success. However, this time, the starting offense would be playing more than just one drive to begin the game. 

Steelers Starting Offense Dominates

Kenny Pickett and the rest of the first stringers could not have continued their preseason success any better in the team's lone home game of the 2023 preseason. The starting offense accounted for two touchdowns in just two drives. It happened quick, too. 

The unit scored its two touchdowns before the 10-minute mark in the first quarter. The first touchdown was scored by running back Jaylen Warren, and it was big. He ripped off a 62-yard touchdown scamper down the left side line on a first and ten with new Steelers lineman, Isaac Seumalo leading the way.

Warren's electrifying touchdown run surely doesn't help Najee Harris fans, as there has been a debate about which back should be featured and receive the majority of the touches. Harris was also featured on the touchdown drive. 

He had two rushes for six yards as the Steelers tried to establish the running game early. Also featured on the team's first drive was a hitch route ran by George Pickens, where he was able to pick up eight yards and a first down on a second and seven play. It was the first pass thrown by Pickett in the game. Before the drive-ending 62-yard touchdown, Pickett connected with Allen Robinson for the first time in the 2023 preseason for a 10-yard gain. 

The Steelers offense didn't have much time to rest as the starting defense, which included TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward for the first time in the 2023 preseason, forced Josh Allen and Buffalo to go three and out. The Bills punted and Steelers fans got to see more explosiveness from Calvin Austin III. This time, it was him as a punt returner. Austin III looked like he might have locked up the punt returning job for the Steelers as he returned it for 54 yards, setting up Pickett and the offense for great field position on their second drive. 

The starting offense's second drive was a quick one, as it only lasted one play. Pickett found Freiermuth on a seam route for a 25-yard touchdown strike. Pickett was flawless on the play, finding Freiermuth open and putting the ball where only he could get it. 

Pickett has been shining in the 2023 preseason. He failed to throw for more than one touchdown in a single game during the 2022 season, but so far in the preseason he has led three drives with the offense scoring on all three and finishing two of them with touchdown passes. For those doubting if Pickett will be able to make a leap in his second year, he is able to and he should. 

Pickett's efficiency and good decision-making will lead to a lot of success for the team in the 2023 season. Pickett being able to limit turnovers in 2023 and take advantage of good field position will help the defense a lot. Being able to push the ball downfield and improve his ball security will take away putting the defense at a disadvantage, and the defense being able to get the opposing offense off of the field quickly will keep the offense in rhythm and give them more opportunities to score. 

Both sides of the ball are playing extremely well for the Steelers, and if it continues into the 2023 regular season the Steelers have a chance to outperform a lot of people's expectations. 

What do you think of the starting offenses performance against the Bills Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!

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