NFL Hall of Famer rips Pittsburgh Steelers for performance vs. Bills

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Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers had what was nothing short of an embarrassing performance in the preseason Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills, which was somehow even worse than their lackluster preseason Week 1 showing against the Houston Texans.

Not only did Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have their issues, but the offensive line didn't hold up its end of the bargain, which was the biggest problem in a messy showing that led to just three points in the 9-3 loss to the Bills.

You can count Pro Football Hall of Famer and former tight end Shannon Sharpe among those who were disgusted. Sharpe went in on the Steelers on the "Nightcap" podcast he hosts with fellow former NFL player, Chad Johnson.

"The thing is, is that you see both of them make throws in practice. (Justin) Fields is playing unbelievable, Russell (Wilson) is making great throws, and then come game time, it's like, damn, did y'all even practice? I mean, it was bad," Sharpe said.

"I don't wanna say theyre' gonna be 2-15, but boy, they gotta improve offensively, man," he added.

Wilson and Fields were under consistent pressure, which led to check downs and less-than manageable third-down situations. The two signal-callers were sacked a total of four times, and the Steelers' offensive line gave up 10 pressures, per Pro Football Focus.

2023 first-round pick and offensive tackle Broderick Jones was responsible for three of those pressures and two of those sacks, according to PFF. Being that he's going to be a starter, his showing was easily the most troubling.

It is worth noting, though, that Jones is dealing with an elbow injury, so that may have hampered him. Even still, if he can't get healthy before Week 1, the Steelers might have a big problem.

The Steelers have one more exhibition game to work out the kinks. They'll take on the Detroit Lions in preseason Week 3 on Saturday, Aug. 24. After that, Pittsburgh will prepare for its regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons two weeks later on Sunday, Sept. 8.

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After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.
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