Orlovsky: Steelers' Kenny Pickett In For A "Long Afternoon" In Week 1 If Offensive Line Can't Win Match Ups

Over the last couple of years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have seemed to be on a mission to improve their offensive line. In 2021, many rankings had their offensive line toward the bottom of the barrel and change needed to be made. That offseason, they made two new additions in Mason Cole and James Daniels to start this revamp. These two would barely come off the field during the 2022 season as they both started all 17 games. 

This 2023 offseason, the team made sure to emphasize that they wanted to have a great offensive line by bringing in two more solid additions. The first was a Pro Bowl alternate from the season prior, Isaac Seumalo. The second was through the NFL Draft when the Steelers traded up in the first round to draft tackle Broderick Jones, who is expected to be the future of this position. Only Chukwuma Okorafor and Dan Moore Jr., who is expected to be Jones' backup by the end of the season, remain from the 2021 offensive line starters.

The Steelers Have Made Having A Solid Offensive Line A Prominent Part Of The Team

During the years of their existence, the Steelers have made having a solid offensive line a prominent part of the team. From names like Mike Webster to Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers have had generational talent across the board. It is also one of the many reasons why they have been able to win six Super Bowls. Even their General Manager Omar Khan made it known how important the position was during the draft process this year.

With the leadership of players like Seumalo and Okorafor, as well as the youth that they have, the Steelers should be set up for years to come. The main question will be is the new talent enough to protect second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett?

Although the Steelers seemed to do the job of improving their offensive line, some people think that may not be the case. Recently on ESPN NFL Live, former NFL quarterback, Dan Orlovsky made some comments that give doubt about this offensive line going into Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. Especially against the strong defensive interior that the 49ers have.

"If their [the Steelers] right guard, center, and left guard can't at least handle in some capacity those two interior rush guys, it is going to be a long afternoon for Kenny Pickett."

The offensive line may have some struggles, but it will fall on quarterback Kenny Pickett to pick them back up. There was a reason that he was selected as a captain and going against a tough defense like the 49ers will give him a chance to prove why. He may have to take off and use his legs at moments, but that is one of the reasons why the Steelers drafted him in the first round - to make plays out of situations where it seems like nothing is there.

Orlovsky may think that the Steelers offensive line could collapse against the 49ers tough defense, but that may not be the case. Their interior especially has the ability to be top five toward the end of the year. Both Seumalo and Daniels are Pro Bowl-caliber guards and Cole is a solid veteran who has shown great leadership. The Steelers offensive line and the 49ers defensive line are going to be the focus point of Sunday's game to determine the winner.

So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Will their offensive line struggle against the 49ers on Sunday? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

#SteelerNation