The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense will face one of the better defensive units in all of football on Sunday. They will host the Cleveland Browns during Week 6 at Acrisure Stadium, as this will be Pittsburgh's first in-division game of 2025. The Steelers' offensive line will be tasked with a crucial role in stopping Myles Garrett and a dominant Cleveland defensive front.
David Richard / AP photo
Steelers' Week 6 opponent and Cleveland Browns defensive end, Myles Garrett (#95) rushes the passer during a game against the Indianapolis Colts in Cleveland, OH.
The offensive line as a whole had one of their better performances of the year against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland during Week 4, but keeping veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his feet and limiting the amount of hits he takes to an absolute minimum will be crucial on Sunday. Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex recently shared his thoughts on the unit's performance overseas, as the NFL veteran believes that the unit could be up for the challenge against an elite Browns defensive line. Essex said he loved what he saw specifically from the interior, as the veteran credited Mason McCormick with having the best game of his Steelers career against the Vikings thus far.
"I did. I really did. Especially in the interior, I thought Mason McCormick had his best game as a Pittsburgh Steeler," Essex claimed. "I'm really excited about that kid. And when you see the guys celebrating, I saw him at the end of a play with [Kenneth] Gainwell where they just mushed the interior of the Minnesota Vikings and you just see Mason at the bottom of the pile signaling first down."
Essex continued to talk about the offensive line as a whole.
"I'm like, 'These boys are having fun finally.' They aren't so much caught up in their heads, they are out there playing and not reacting, and so that was good to see," Essex explained. "When you have that and you have a bye week where you could build on top of that type of film, I'm looking forward to see what they do against the Browns, because it is going to be a tough challenge with Myles Garrett and company."
McCormick was the Steelers' fourth-round selection in 2024. The promising guard was exceptional in the win against the Vikings and the unit as a whole played a major role in Kenneth Gainwell's huge day on the ground. The offensive line played at a much higher level in Week 4 than they have in weeks prior, and the unit will need to bring their A game in Week 6 against Cleveland.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Mason McCormick on the line ready to protect his quarterback during the 2024 NFL season.
Tackles Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones will play crucial roles in the Steelers' success on Sunday as well. Both young linemen have had their fair share of struggles to begin the year, but Fautanu and Jones are extremely talented players that could improve as the season rolls on. Pittsburgh's offensive line features a number of young and talented players that will be faced with the ultimate test in protecting Rodgers against an excellent Browns' defensive line.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Not Concerned With Offensive Line's Play Thus Far In 2025
Just over a week ago, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked in a press conference if he felt limited with what his offense could do, specifically because of the big men up front.
"Are you at all being forced to hold back some of the things you might be able to do on offense because of some of the pass protection concerns," the reporter asked.
Tomlin's answer was precise.
"No," Tomlin said.
After an optimistic showing last week, there's no question the entire coaching staff will continue to lean on the offensive line moving forward, and that will continue against the Browns.
Brendan Moran / Pittsburgh Steelers
How do you think the offensive line is played so far in 2025? Do you agree with Essex's assessment of Mason McCormick and that the unit is starting to have fun? Let us know in the comments below, or on our social media platforms!
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