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The Pittsburgh Steelers began the season with a win as the team won a tight game on the road against the New York Jets. The offense played extremely well as the group was able to put up 34 points in the victory, which is something that isn't typically seen from Pittsburgh teams, especially early on in the season. The defense struggled, but as the highest-paid defense in the league, it should be expected that that side of the ball will be able to figure things out. If both sides of the ball can start firing on all cylinders, Pittsburgh could be a dangerous team, but there are still some surefire weaknesses.
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.
Any fan that watched Pittsburgh's game against New York could tell that the offensive line for the Steelers was an issue. It struggled opening up lanes in the running game, and the group also got Aaron Rodgers sacked four times. The veteran quarterback took some blame for a few of the sacks, but the offensive line just did not play like Pittsburgh needs it to. It is pivotal that this group is able to improve over the next several weeks, especially with how much recent draft capital is invested in the unit.
Insider Mike DeFabo is not very optimistic about the offensive line, which he shared in a recent piece for The Athletic.
"The Steelers' young offensive line took its lumps on Sunday and I don't think that's going to substantially change," DeFabo wrote. "Pittsburgh has invested heavily in the trenches with a pair of first-round picks at tackle (Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu) and a second-round pick at center (Zach Frazier). However, that group opened few rushing lanes and failed to keep Aaron Rodgers upright. What was supposed to be a strength of the offense by now remains a weakness. They may show growth at times this year, but I expect the offensive line will continue to be inconsistent."
Pittsburgh has shown a clear emphasis to improve the offensive line over the last several seasons. In 2023, Pittsburgh traded up in the first round to draft left tackle Broderick Jones, the franchise then selected right tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and center Zach Frazier in the second round.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Broderick Jones in Pittsburgh's 2024 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jones has been the most criticized played on the offensive line in Pittsburgh. He has not developed in the way the organization had hoped he would, but the coaching staff has not done him any favors by consistently making him switch sides at tackle. His progression has likely been hindered because of it. While Jones' struggles have been obvious, it was the entire offensive line that did not play well during the Week 1 matchup with the Jets. Running lanes were nonexistent, which only makes it harder to throw the football.
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Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson stand side by side one another during a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Have To Be Able To Run The Football In Week 2
Pittsburgh is taking on the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 in what will be the home opener for the Steelers. Seattle's defense is expected to be a little banged up, so it should be a little bit easier to run on than New York's defense was. Seattle faced the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 and gave up 119 yards on the ground and while giving up just over three yards per carry. It won't be easy to move the ball on the ground, but the offensive line, Jaylen Warren, and the rest of the running backs should be motivated to get things going in the run game.
The passing game worked well for Pittsburgh in Week 1, but the offense cannot become one dimensional. It is crucial that the group can have success on the ground and through the air.
What are your thoughts on the offensive line's struggles? Are you optimistic? Comment below!
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