Steelers' Offensive Line Decisions Should Be Easy: "He's [Dan Moore] Been The Weakest Link"

The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan have made a clear emphasis on improving the play along the offensive line. The organization used three of its first five selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on the offensive line, and major changes are expected to be seen in 2024. Pittsburgh had one of the best offensive lines throughout the 2010s, but have taken a major step back in recent years. That may finally be turning around, as the team works on integrating younger players into the fold.

The Steelers should be expected to have two new starters on the offensive line at some point in the 2024 season. The only players who should be anticipated on starting the whole year are Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, and James Daniels. Add Zach Frazier into that group as he faces virtually zero competition at center, and the group seems pretty solid. On a recent episode of the PFF NFL Show, the hosts ranked offensive lines for the 2024 season and Pittsburgh managed to crack the top 10.

"That Steelers offensive line will be a fun one, and again, I feel like that's a group that could improve with scheme as well. You would expect them to be replacing Dan Moore at that left tackle spot, he's been the weakest link of that group, particularly anytime he has to face Myles Garrett, which is twice a year. I would expect that Steelers line to look pretty good this year."

Dan Moore Jr. has been the Steelers' starting left tackle for three seasons now, but his time at the position is likely coming to a close. He has been consistently seen as one of the worst left tackles in the NFL, while showing minimal improvement, despite being given countless opportunities to do so. Jones and 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu are clearly the tackles of the future for Pittsburgh, it's just a question of when Fautanu can crack the starting lineup.

When teams shape their rosters, a big factor to consider is how they match up with the three other teams in the division. Right now, the Steelers face one of the best pass rushers in the league twice a year in Myles Garrett. He moves around some, but he primarily rushes off the left side of the offensive line. Having Moore in that spot hasn't proved well for the Steelers, especially when going against Garrett and the Cleveland Browns.

During the 2023 season, Moore started at left tackle in both games against the Browns. He didn't perform well. In their first clash of the season, he boasted a pass blocking grade of 3.5 according to Pro Football Focus, and didn't improve much in the second matchup as he recorded a grade of 18.5. In just two games, he allowed 10 pressures, 5 hurries, 3 hits, and 2 sacks. 

That is game-changing play from Moore, and not in a good way. It could be said he may be a big reason Garrett was hoisting the AP Defensive Player Of The Year Award over TJ Watt at the end of the 2023 season.

Steelers Could Let Moore Start The 2024 Season

Pittsburgh and Head Coach Mike Tomlin don't like to start rookies right away, which was seen with Jones during the 2023 season. He probably would have overtaken Moore at left tackle at some point, but Chukwuma Okorafor getting benched midseason led to Jones becoming the starting right tackle.

Jones is expected to start at left tackle in 2024, as long Fautanu can become the starting right tackle. Moore has made it clear he is not comfortable on the right side of the offensive line, so if Fautanu has to sit to start the year, Jones could find himself back on the right side. This would mean possibly more games that fans have to watch Moore struggle at left tackle. Thankfully, Pittsburgh doesn't take on Garrett and Cleveland until the second half of the year, which gives Fautanu plenty of time to solidify himself.

What do you think of Moore's performances against Garrett? Let us know in the comments below!

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