The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line may be the most maligned unit in the entire NFL. Talking heads on the endless national sports debate shows drone on and on about how poor the Steelers offensive line play is on a weekly basis. In fairness, there were issues with the line in 2021 and the 2022 preseason blocking was an absolute disaster. A funny thing happened though, the 2022 regular season started, and the problems started to disappear.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 31: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against Dan Moore Jr. #65 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The run blocking is improving, and the Steelers have surrendered the fewest pressures in the NFL on passing plays. Dan Moore Jr. put on an impressive display against Myles Garrett on national television two weeks ago. This Sunday when Kenny Pickett steps under center against the Buffalo Bills, the rubber is going to meet the road. The league leading pass blocking unit will face the third best unit in getting pressures in the NFL.
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The young offensive line that continues to gel will be faced with the tall task of keeping the rookie clean while he guides an offense that desperately needs an infusion of playmaking from the quarterback position. Moore for his part is excited for the opportunity to play with Pickett on Sunday and is confident that he will acquit himself well.
"He's got swag,” Moore said. “He's got natural leadership qualities. I like the kid. He's competitive. He's not afraid of anything, he's tough. I love him."
Ironically, Pickett is nearly four months older than his left tackle. Mitch Trubisky seemed tentative and rarely changed plays at the line of scrimmage. Pickett appeared to be changing plays almost immediately against the New York Jets, demonstrating a firm command of the offense and inspiring confidence in the unit.
“I really don’t remember any big changes at the line,” James Daniels said. “He does have the ability to change anything if he doesn’t like the play call. He tells us the play or tells us which way to go and then we get it done.”
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
James Daniels is the veteran leader of the offensive line, and he has fallen in behind Pickett’s commanding presence. Mason Cole, the Steelers' starting center is also impressed with the former Pitt Panthers' desire to win and move the offense. He thinks he is displaying a maturity seldom seen in NFL rookies.
"Kenny does a great job,” Cole relates. “Especially for young QB, commanding the huddle. He comes up there with a sense of urgency and guys are listening to him and that's really respectable. You don't see that a whole lot with younger quarterbacks."
The NFL, media, oddsmakers and many fans have written off the 2022 Steelers at 1-3. Pittsburgh has turned to a rookie quarterback, and most have taken it as a signal that the black and gold are rebuilding. Then again, despite their performance, the same groups have written off the offensive line as well. If they continue to improve and maintain their number one ranking after Sunday on limiting pressure on Pickett, they may find themselves back on the NFL map at 2-3.
The Steelers offensive line is ranked 13th overall by Pro Football Focus, which should be taken with a grain of salt. The run blocking still has to get even better, but the unit could be in the top 10 by the end of 2022 and if that is the case, it will give Pittsburgh a chance to resurrect the season after a disastrous start.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is the offensive line quietly going from a disaster to a strength? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
