Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson and Justin Fields Fail to Reach End Zone vs. Bills
The Steelers didn't score a touchdown during Saturday's 9-3 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, as neither Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields moved the offense consistently.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin has not declared a starting quarterback for Week 1, and evaluating film from the game won't make his decision easier.
"It's somewhat of an incomplete study because you just don't get a chance to see them operate or us operate or us establish rhythm and personality when you're not winning possession downs," Tomlin said via Coral Smith of NFL.com. "The first three or so series of the game, it was three and out, and you're not going to get an opportunity to establish rhythm or play the way you'd like as an individual or a collective."
While Tomlin called Wilson the "clubhouse leader" to win the job prior to training camp, Dan Orlovsky of ESPN thinks Fields should be named the Week 1 starter.
"Two preseason games in, and two weeks until the season, I think it's obvious that Justin brings more good than bad in comparison to Russ," Orlovsky said on "Get Up."
Pass protection was a major problem for Pittsburgh, as Wilson (8-of-10, 47 yards) was sacked three times and averaged just 5.9 yards per completion. Fields (11-of-17, 92 yards passing, 42 yards rushing) was only sacked once and made more happen due to his elusiveness. However, both quarterbacks will have trouble being effective without more time to throw.
"We've got to do a better job in pass protection than we did – not only in possession downs but just in general," Tomlin said. "That can't be a problem for us."
Cleveland Browns: Plan Is to Start Deshaun Watson in Preseason Finale
Starting offensive tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills are on the PUP list for the Browns. Meanwhile, backup tackles Germain Ifeldi, Hakeem Adeniji, and James Hudson suffered injuries during Saturday's 27-12 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
After the game, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said he still planned to start quarterback Deshaun Watson against Seattle in the Aug. 24 preseason finale. Watson has been cleared for contact but hasn't seen game action since suffering a season-ending injury to his throwing shoulder against the Ravens last year that required surgery. The Browns want to give Watson some game reps before the regular season.
"The plan is for Deshaun to play," Stefanski said via the Browns’ website. "Obviously, I take in all the information week to week, day to day. But that is the plan."
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow Says He's Good to Go
Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow sat out Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Chicago Bears and may not play until the Bengals open the regular season against the New England Patriots. That's fine with Burrow, who looked good in Cincinnati's preseason opener, leading a touchdown drive in the opening possession.
Burrow also got meaningful reps against the Bears during a joint practice last week. The Bengals have a joint practice this week with the Colts.
"When game one comes, I'll be ready," Burrow said via Geoff Hobson of cincinnatibengals. com. "Another one (joint practice) is going to be nice, but I'll be ready.
"These are the reps I haven't had the last couple of years. The more reps you get before the season, the better you'll be. … I'm happy where I'm at and moving in the right direction."
