Steelers' Pat Meyer Deserves Massive Credit For Pittsburgh's Most Impressive Breakout Player On The Offensive Line

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 last Sunday to clinch the AFC North for the first time since 2020. The Steelers' offense put up 390 total yards (290 in the air and 100 on the ground). Aaron Rodgers was sacked just twice in this game, and one could argue they were his fault, not the o-line's. The Steelers are set to play the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round now, and their ferocious pass rush is led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. This will be the Steelers' biggest challenge of the season, stopping the NFL's best edge rusher duo.

The Steelers' offense hasn't had a ton of bright spots this season, but the emergence of Team MVP Kenneth Gainwell and flashes of vintage Rodgers have been positive for fans. Arguably the unit's biggest bright spot however, has been the emergence of the Steelers' young offensive line, led by coach Pat Meyer. The Steelers' offensive line had plenty of question marks coming into the season: Broderick Jones' development, Troy Fautanu's health, and Mason McCormick's inconsistency from 2024. While Jones showed marginal improvement, Fautanu and McCormick have been excellent. Mark Kaboly on 93.7 The Fan had much to say about the entire unit. 

"I think Pat Meyer deserves a lot of credit," said Kaboly. "You don't get a guy who's an undrafted free agent and throw him in a left tackle, and he's playing like an All-Pro type of ball. You could make that case for Dylan Cook right now."

In the Steelers' Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears, Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury. Andrus Peat took his place, then suffered a concussion in the Steelers' Week 14 game against the Ravens. That left only undrafted free agent Dylan Cook, who was a quarterback in college. Cook has flourished in his new starting role, posting a respectable 75.8 Pro Football Focus grade with an 80.7 pass block grade. Not bad for a guy who spent the season mostly on the practice squad. 

Cook is under contract with the Steelers for the 2026 season, so the team will not have to worry about re-signing him just yet. 

The Steelers' Offensive Line Is Set For Years To Come

The Steelers' offensive line currently has three players playing in their second season, and a guy who played his first NFL game this season. Despite this, they have been one of the best pass-blocking units in the NFL

The Steelers center, Zach Frazier, was arguably snubbed from a Pro Bowl this season. The AFC has two of the best centers in football in Creed Humphrey and Tyler Linderbaum, but Frazier could make a serious case for the All-Pro team this season. He started the 2024 campaign due to an injury to veteran Nate Herbig, and he never looked back. He instantly looked like the Steelers' best offensive lineman as a rookie. 

The Steelers will have a decision to make in the offseason with veteran left guard Isaac Seumalo. Seumalo is in the last year of his contract and is set to be a free agent. The Super Bowl champion is 32 years old, but has played admirably despite battling a pectoral injury for much of the season. It's hard to see the Steelers bringing him back given his age and price point. The team may look to go younger in the draft or even free agency. 

What do you think? Does Pat Meyer deserve more credit? Should Cook or Jones start next season? Let us know in the comments. 

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