The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to work on in training camp. Just because they went out and got a bunch of big names this offseason, doesn't mean they are already prepared to play in the Super Bowl -- let alone a double-revenge game in Week 1 against the New York Jets. The young offensive line still needs to gel, while quarterback Aaron Rodgers tries to develop chemistry with a brand new receiver core. The defense had a bit of an overhaul too, as Pittsburgh is looking to make sure the failure from the end of 2024 does not happen again in 2025.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense getting ready for a play against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 Wild Card Round.
Usually, there's winning sides and losing sides in training camp. During his weekly Q&A chat, insider Brian Batko spoke about how camp has gone so far for the Steelers, including a recurring theme from previous years.
"I do think the O-line has struggled, the front seven is teeing off and the secondary has been so suffocating that it's difficult to find a quick throwing lane," Batko said.
The offensive line has been a constant point of emphasis for the Steelers, especially after the elite unit from the mid-2010s started to disband. Pittsburgh has spent all kinds of resources on fixing it for the long-term future, but injuries and inconsistencies have continued to pop up for it, and 2025 is no exception so far. Hopefully, the improving health of the collective group should take away some of those issues.
Guard Isaac Seumalo has recently been removed from the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, although he has not practiced in team drills yet. Meanwhile, tackle Broderick Jones is recovering from a soft tissue issue, and he is expected to be back on the practice field any day now as a full participant. This training camp is especially important for him, as 2025 is likely his last chance to prove himself as a quality tackle.
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Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones prepares to block a defender as the team participates in a practice at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Jones has been put under a microscope to see if he can develop properly, and so far, he has been the primary one dealing with inconsistencies whenever he is actually healthy and practicing. Obviously, it's not just him having problems, but there has been minimal praise about his performance so far. He's not immune to riding the bench and/or rolling with the second-team offense if he can't improve soon.
With a tight end-heavy scheme and a quarterback who has been abysmal against the blitz, the offensive line can't have a down year collectively. Ironically, the Steelers' defense is perfectly built to stop its own offense. The tight press coverage has been problematic for Rodgers early on. So much for the defensive backs playing "soft." It looks like the quarterback got his wish with the challenges that he has had to face.
At very least, Batko has reported that center Zach Frazier has been much better with his snaps so far. That is definitely a relief after an abysmal opening to training camp led to him being benched for a short period of time. That's one problem cleared up, but there is more to work on. The quarterback/center exchange should not be a storyline. Focus should be shifted to other areas.
Steelers Could See Massive Overhaul If Offensive Line Does Not Improve
As mentioned before, this is likely Jones' last chance to prove himself. If he has another rough season, he will likely be a backup in 2026. His linemate, Seumalo, is on an expiring contract and is about to turn 32 years old, so he could easily walk in free agency. The entire left side of the unit could be replaced after the 2025 season.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones works through a drill as the team practices at the UPMC Sports Complex during Pittsburgh's 2025 training camp.
Offensive line coach Pat Meyer has one year left on his contract. Many fans and analysts believe he should have already been fired, but a sub-standard performance from the front five could result in his contract expiring. His tenure in Pittsburgh has not been well received by many fans, and Steeler Nation is getting antsy about seeing some real changes in that regard.
What do you think about the Steelers' offensive line getting steamrolled by the front seven in training camp so far? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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