Mind-blowing: Steelers' Mike Tomlin Feels "Great" About Offensive Line Play

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 1-1 on the 2025 season after a crushing 31-17 home defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers’ home opener in Week 2 didn’t go as planned, and there were several big turning points that shifted the momentum in Seattle’s favor. The biggest concern once again came on the defensive side of the ball, as Pittsburgh struggled to get key stops when it mattered most. Sam Darnold and the Seahawks' offense consistently found ways to extend drives, exposing lapses in the secondary and a lack of consistent pass rush, which left Steeler Nation frustrated with a unit that was supposed to be one of the team’s strengths.

Adding to the frustration was the protection of Aaron Rodgers, who was sacked three times and pressured on several other occasions throughout the afternoon. While Rodgers managed to deliver a few big throws, he was visibly uncomfortable in the pocket and unable to find rhythm behind an offensive line that has been heavily scrutinized. Broderick Jones, in particular, has drawn criticism from fans for struggling to handle Seattle’s edge rushers, but the issues extend beyond just one player. The line as a whole hasn’t played up to the physical standard Pittsburgh expected coming into the season, and that’s been a major reason the offense has struggled to sustain drives.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the offensive line play following the loss while speaking to the Pittsburgh media on Tuesday. Tomlin was surprisingly pleased with the group’s performance, noting that while Rodgers faced pressure, he saw signs of growth compared to Week 1. He highlighted improvements in communication and assignments but acknowledged that consistency is still lacking. 

"I feel great about it to be honest with you," Tomlin told the Pittsburgh media when speaking about the offensive line play. "You know I like our group and we are going to continue to get better. We have to work in that spirit. Certainly, we could have been better in some areas last week, but that is life."

Tomlin emphasized that the line doesn’t need a complete overhaul, only sharper execution in key moments. His confidence in Rodgers remains firm, and he believes the veteran’s leadership will help steady the unit. 

Still, with tough opponents ahead, the Steelers must continue to elevate their play quickly to avoid slipping behind early in the season.

"I like the overall trajectory of the group as a collective and as individuals," Tomlin said. "I am excited and looking forward to getting them back in the next stadium."

The Steelers finished the Week 2 contest against the Seahawks in brutal fashion. The defense couldn’t come up with a stop when it mattered most, and the special teams blunder proved too costly to recover from. 

Steelers' Offensive Line Will Get Better As 2025 Goes On

On a brighter note, the overall effort from the offensive line showed improvement, and Tomlin expressed confidence that this young group will continue to grow as the season progresses. During the 2024 season, this young offensive line played well, but as the season went on. They clearly hit a rookie wall.

Having Rodgers in town to lead this young offensive line made up of Troy Fautanu, Jones, Mason McCormick, Isaac Seumalo, and Zach Frazier will help them gain confidence as the 2025 season progresses. All eyes remain on Jones, as his struggles have stolen the spotlight, but this unit is young and expected to keep improving. For now, Tomlin is happy with where the offensive line play has been.

What overall grade would you give the Steelers' offensive line through the first two games of the 2025 NFL season? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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