The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally starting to see the offense take shape now that Aaron Rodgers has signed his contract for the 2025 season. The starting quarterback is in place, and the unit as a whole must get used to playing with one another. This process started for Pittsburgh in minicamp, and it will continue once training camp kicks off at the end of July. Apart from Rodgers, the biggest key to the offense's success might just be the offensive line in Pittsburgh. There are some question marks upfront, and the team's success will certainly hinge on the group.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers offensive linemen Troy Fautanu (left) and Broderick Jones (right) sit in their lockers before a 2024 Week 1 contest against the Falcons in Atlanta, GA.
Broderick Jones is moving back to his normal position at left tackle this season, which he has yet to play extensively in the NFL, and Troy Fautanu will be playing right tackle. Fautanu started one game at right tackle during his rookie year in 2024, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury during the following week of practice. The offensive line is expected to be fully healthy heading into the year, and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith was recently asked about that during an interview with Missi Matthews.
"Yeah, obviously you love to have that consistency," Smith said. "The starting five on opening day play every game. Sometimes it's not a reality. Last year was one of those years. It's like we had musical chairs, so you have to adapt, that's our job. It became an opportunity for some of those younger guys to play early and often. Mason McCormick, obviously Zach Frazier. Spencer Anderson played a lot of reps."
Before the 2024 season even began, Pittsburgh's starting center, Nate Herbig, suffered a season-ending injury. This forced Zach Frazier into the starting role earlier than expected, but he excelled. The same is true for Mason McCormick, who became the team's starting right guard after losing James Daniels for the season.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Zach Frazier snaps the football during Week 4 of the 2024 season against the Colts.
Both McCormick and Frazier were rookies in 2024, so now they have a lot more experience under their belts heading into the 2025 regular season. The same could be said for Jones, as Fautanu remains the most inexperienced player on the line due to his injury. Smith spoke about the outlook for his line going into 2025, stating the group is much further along than in 2024.
"These guys have been around each other, not just on the field, but off the field," Smith said. "The least amount of movement we've had is in that room, which is awesome. Early last year, we had a ton of new faces, new offense, first starts. We adapted to go win those early games. We're way further along in that group than we were a year ago."
This is great news for fans, as a better offensive line is going to mean good things for the offense as a whole. The run game should look better for Pittsburgh, while it is also important that Rodgers has plenty of time to throw the ball. He is not as mobile as he once was, which puts a ton of pressure on his protection upfront.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith pats running back Kaleb Johnson on the helmet.
Steelers' Run Game Should Look Much Improved
The offensive line should be better off in the run game, especially with Jones returning to his natural position at left tackle and Fautanu joining the starting five. The interior of the line is now more experienced, and Pittsburgh will be introducing a new running back in Kaleb Johnson. Jaylen Warren and Johnson are expected to be the leaders in the running back room, while Kenneth Gainwell should also be able to produce. The position group is younger than it was in 2024, and it is likely more explosive as well, which is good news for Steeler Nation as a whole.
What do you think about the offensive line in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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