"Makes Me Nervous": Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Has Big Concern For Pittsburgh's Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to escape their 2026 home opener with a 20-13 win over the visiting Atlanta Falcons. A lot of the thanks have to go in the direction of TJ Watt, who had a monster of a game. He had an incredible showing which reminded many why he is still capable of being one of the best in the league. The offense, however, has some work to do. Mike McCarthy's system is relatively new for a lot of the players. Aaron Rodgers, on the other hand, is completely aware of what is being asked of the unit. The important thing is to learn from the tape and move on.

One very concerning stat was the 2.8 yards per carry out of the backfield. The Steelers need to get the rushing attack going if the rest of the offense is going to explode. There is no doubt that McCarthy was unhappy with that piece. Setting up the play-action passing attack and letting Rodgers do what he does best is something that will need to come to fruition.

Pittsburgh will take the win, as that is the main thing that matters at the end of the day. However, the team is not going to escape criticism. The Steelers will need to perform a lot better in all three phases if a deep postseason run is possible. That's why it's important for fans to pay attention to someone who has been there and done that.

Ben Roethlisberger always gives his thoughts following games on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. He has never been shy about what he feels is the most important thing for football teams. The big men up front who control the line of scrimmage mean everything. Unfortunately, the future Hall of Fame quarterback already has his doubts about the Steelers' collective.

"The question is always going to be, like it is with any football team, offensive line," Roethlisberger said. "I think we saw what could be the fears of this team this season, this offense, is the lack of protection on Aaron Rodgers. The lack of the run game. You know there wasn't, there wasn't a really highly successful running game for us. I like the — the o-line, it just makes me nervous."

There are a lot of moving pieces on Pittsburgh's offensive line. Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick moved over to the left side in the offseason, while Zach Frazier stayed at his normal spot as the center. 

Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook earned the jobs on the right, and it was evident that this group as a whole isn't totally on the same page. The good news is that there are 17 more regular-season weeks to get everything squared away, but getting better immediately is a requirement.

Rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor was in for an offensive snap when Fautanu went out with an injury for a short time, but that was the extent of his participation. If Cook continues to struggle, there could soon be a benching. Cook was great for the Steelers toward the end of 2025 while filling in for Broderick Jones; however, that was at left tackle. If Sunday showed fans anything, the big man had trouble on the right.

Offensive lines need time to gel and build rapport. Cohesion across the front is what will eventually lead to success. Roethlisberger has played behind some great, and also some bad, groupings in the past, so he knows what it is like. Everything suddenly becomes amplified when your quarterback is going to be turning 43 years old soon.

Steelers Need To Open Up Bigger Holes In The Running Game

Everything will become easier for Pittsburgh if and when the offensive line is moving forward and not backward. A strong rushing attack will lead to more gaps in the defense when it is time to take a shot on early downs. If, however, Roethlisberger's analysis continues to be the same as the weeks progress, that would be a legitimate concern.

#SteelerNation