Brian Angelichio Believes Steelers' Offense Needs To See Big Improvement In 1 Specific Area

The Pittsburgh Steelers are inching closer to their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and have one final preseason bout. With both sides of the ball being under new coaching, the 2026 preseason is all the more important in Pittsburgh. The offense is still looking to find its rhythm after a strong showing in the first exhibition game, only to follow with getting shutout the following week. The young quarterbacks in Drew Allar and Will Howard have had their ups and downs, but the more important story may be the offensive line, which is certainly not where it needs to be. 

One of the offense's main strengths will be the run game, led by running backs Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren. Dowdle is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, having previously played for Mike McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys. Warren has built an admirable reputation in the Black and Gold, becoming one of the few bright spots on the offense since arriving in 2022. 

The offensive line went through big changes, with Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick flipping to the left side, and Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson handling the right. Fautanu and McCormick were an excellent pairing in 2024; now they will block for Aaron Rodgers' blind side. The offensive line, despite the shuffling, was expected to take a huge leap forward in 2026, and through two preseason games, there is certainly still work to be done.

Recently, Offensive Coordinator Brian Angelichio spoke to the media following the preseason loss to the New York Jets, which saw the offense score a goose egg. One of Angelichio's talking points was the ground game and the lack of explosive plays. The collective rushed for just 98 yards on 26 carries, averaging only 3.8 yards per attempt, and the longest rush was just seven yards. 

"The one thing we talked about we just need to get more explosive runs. You know, we didn't get enough explosive runs," Angelichio said. "We had a lot of four-, five-yard runs and converted on three 3rd and 1s, but yeah, just looking to get more explosive runs down the field."

The Steelers have struggled in recent years to produce explosive plays at all, let alone on the ground. The offense has more than enough talent to produce downfield, but the offensive line will need to gel quickly; otherwise, it could be another disappointing season for the group. Luckily, they still have plenty of time to find their game; they even showed improvement in pass protection against the Jets. 

The two who have struggled most are the right pairing of Anderson and Cook, who both are battling for their status as starters. Cook has looked overwhelmed in pass protection, and Anderson isn't getting much push in the run game. The McCarthy run scheme brings more downhill runs than the Arthur Smith scheme did, so they need more vertical movement, and those two aren't adjusting well to it. 

Steelers' Anderson And Cook Could Get Lapped

While both rookies Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker are injured, there is no doubt they will one day man the right side of the offensive line. While those two prepare for NFL speed, Anderson and Cook will hold down the spot. Both Iheanachor and Dunker are project players who weren't expected to play much as rookies, but with Anderson and Cook's play, they may be in the lineup sooner rather than later. 

Anderson is not only holding off Dunker, but also Brock Hoffman, who signed with the team in the offseason. Hoffman has sprinkled in with the ones during camp and even in the latest preseason game, and has debatably outplayed Anderson. Hoffman very well could be the Week 1 starter at right guard for the Steelers, with Anderson returning to his sixth-man role. No matter how things shake out, the offensive line will need to figure things out quickly. 

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