Steelers' Offensive Line Gets Absolutely Blasted For Being "Happy With A Stalemate"

Just because the Pittsburgh Steelers did not allow a sack in their week 3 win, does not mean that the concerns with the offensive line are gone. They have still allowed too many pressures, and they seem to be unable to gel together as a collective unit consistently. Everyone in that position group is being looked at closely, since they could single-handedly cost the team a playoff berth, let alone a victory in that regard. If they don't improve quickly, there could be radical changes in 2026 to give them a jolt.

During his weekly Q&A chat, team insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked if the physicality of the offensive line is the problem? Fittipaldo responded with a very concerning critique of the unit.

"That's certainly part of it. I watched the Lions play the Ravens and those guys are in attack mode," Fittipaldo said. "They get great push at the LOS. When I watch the Steelers and sometimes, I think they're happy with a stalemate at the LOS. I know scheme factors in, but I'd like to see a more downhill, physical mentality overall with this team on both sides of the ball."

Many fans accuse Head Coach Mike Tomlin of coaching "not to lose," as opposed to coaching to win. That is exactly what the offensive line is supposedly doing, according to Fittipaldo. You can't just be happy with a stalemate, because that could easily turn into a loss if the quarterback has to hold the ball for longer than anticipated. Obviously, it's also just a terrible mentality that rewards mediocrity. 

That is a clear indictment on Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer's coaching style. If everyone in the position group is seemingly playing for a stalemate, that is clearly a direct message coming from their specific coach. If what Fittipaldo said is actually true, then there is virtually no chance that these blockers reach their upside in the 2025 season.

The Steelers have specifically targeted highly physical players in the NFL Draft. In 2024, center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick were selected partially because of their wrestling background. They were great wrestlers because of their physicality, and now they are supposedly being taught by Meyer to be less physical and work towards a stalemate, as opposed to getting the pin and winning. Of course, this is just a theory and from a physical standpoint, it's more likely that the front five are merely lacking the appropriate strength to be more dominant.

Fittipaldo has also made multiple comments about left tackle Broderick Jones. Specifically, he mentions that he has been an excellent pass blocker when he attacks the edge rusher. When he does his kick slide and lets the rusher come to him, that's where he falters. The game film agrees with that as well. Meyer has to stop holding back and just trust his big guys up front to win and not just tie. 

It's like they always say: "go big or go home." What's the point of playing football if your goal is not to be great at what you do? Why should anyone here be fine with drawing ties in matchups, as opposed to doing everything they can to keep their quarterback clean? Jones should want to keep attacking and winning in that regard, because he is close to being replaced as the blindside blocker.

Steelers Have Other Physicality Issues

Fittipaldo said that he wants to see more physicality "on both sides of the ball." While the question was about the offense, he seems to not be too impressed with the defensive line either, even though they had five sacks and numerous forced fumbles in Week 3. Maybe that was an issue in previous weeks, but it is still to be seen if their performance is closer to what they normally are, or if it was just a fluke and they need to be stronger up front.

What do you think about the Steelers potentially being ok with stalemates in their individual battles? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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