Steelers' Offensive Line In For Rude Awakening After Unfortunate Week 7 News Is Announced

The Pittsburgh Steelers are already off to a great start in the 2025 season, sitting atop the AFC North with a record of 4-1. It would be even more impressive if the organization could defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 with the end result being an overall mark of 5-1. In Week 6, the franchise dominated the Cleveland Browns for the majority of the contest, and the lack of game-wrecking from Myles Garrett was a welcomed reality. Pat Meyer's offensive line may have played its best game of the young campaign, something that the fan base has to be excited about.

Despite a relatively stout performance from the Steelers' offense in Week 6, penalties were a bit of a concern for the team as a whole. It was flagged 10 times for a total of 59 yards, which was not exactly a pleasant outcome despite the easy win. The Bengals’ defense has played just okay in 2025 to this point, but it will be critical for Pittsburgh's offensive line especially to build on the good play from the Browns matchup.

One recently-announced piece of news that will make this a bit harder is having an officiating crew that will not be afraid to throw the yellow flag on the big men up front. Clay Martin and co. are set to be on the call.

Martin and his team have called 17 offensive holdings, 11 illegal formations and 10 false start calls. Those are the top three for the crew on the year so far, which is going to be something that the Steelers need to pay attention to. Head Coach Mike Tomlin mentioned after the victory over Cleveland that his coaching staff scouts referees just as they do opposing teams. There isn't a doubt that there will be an emphasis on the short week of not trying to get away with too much on the line.

The biggest concern for Pittsburgh shouldn't necessarily be holding, however. Martin has seriously cracked down on illegal formations, with the 11 flags thrown for the infraction being the most in the NFL by six. The next-closet crew only has five on the campaign. If what Tomlin mentioned about scouting each respective week's officials is true, paying attention to detail to avoid illegal formation calls will be pivotal.

Martin and his group also are tied for the most offensive offsides calls, which is a rarity, but has become a little more of an emphasis in recent seasons. Referees on the sideline no longer signal to pass-catchers if they are directly behind the line of scrimmage or not. 

The Steelers' offensive line and receiving corps are not going to be able to get away with a lot, which is why understanding these trends is crucial, and even more important is recognizing them with a short week and Thursday night contest. 

Lastly, Pittsburgh as a whole will be a bit discouraged about Martin calling six games in 2025, and four of the home teams coming out on top. That percentage of just under 67% is well above the league average (just below 56%). The Steelers have struggled going on the road for Thursday contests for the majority of Tomlin's tenure, but the only way Cincinnati can find a way to stay in the game is if Pittsburgh ends up making dumb mistakes, leading to penalties being thrown.

Steelers Have To Take Advantage Of An Injured Bengals Team

Cincinnati has some bumps and bruises, but not many teams are being affected the way the Bengals are when it comes to injuries. Joe Burrow going down and being expected to miss roughly three months pretty much stopped their season in its tracks. The only way the franchise can come alive in the AFC North is by upsetting teams like the Steelers, and the officials could play a part on Thursday evening.

Do you think that the Steelers will have issues with Martin's crew? Let us know in the comments below!

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