The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1-1 through two weeks of the 2026 season, which isn't a bad mark, but it is hard for fans to be optimistic with how the group has looked early on. The defense has been fantastic, but the offense has been a slog. The unit has been inefficient and unproductive, and there are several concerning issues that can be identified through two games. The first problem is that the offensive line has seemed to regress considerably. Holes are not there in the run game and quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to be under constant pressure, with the other big issue being drops.
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QB Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to pass while OT Troy Fautanu (76) blocks during a Week 2 game against the Patriots in 2026.
The biggest concern for fans should be the offensive line. It didn't seem like a single member of the starting five had a decent showing against the New England Patriots in Week 2, and things were not pretty against the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener either. The organization should be feeling the heat when it comes to this as a ton has been invested in this group. Over the last four offseasons, three first-round picks have been spent on offensive linemen, and as of right now the two best performers on the line were picked later on in their respective drafts.
A lineman in particular that is under a lot of heat is left tackle Troy Fautanu. The Steelers selected him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he then missed nearly his entire rookie season. He returned in 2025 as the team's starting right tackle, but he was switched to the left side along with guard Mason McCormick for the 2026 season. Beat writer Mark Kaboly was asked about this decision from the coaching staff during a recent mailbag, and he placed all the blame on the player.
"If it was such an impossible ask for a lineman to do that, then why do coaches continue to do it?" Kaboly asked. "I have asked many offensive linemen over the years about the transition from the left side to the right side, and I can’t remember one telling me that it was an impossible ask. If you are such a good prospect to be drafted in the first or second round, then it shouldn’t be a huge ask for a lineman to either put his right hand or his left hand in the dirt. Of course I am simplifying the process, but we are talking about high-end athletes whose only job is to play football. So, I don’t believe it’s a big deal."
Kaboly is clearly defending the decision by the coaching staff, especially because Fautanu was seen as a first-round prospect back in 2024. He also played left tackle in college, so he is technically switching back to his natural position. It has been a rocky transition for Fautanu, and hopefully the left tackle can step up his game moving forward.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Troy Fautanu blocks against a pass rush during a road loss to the Patriots in 2026.
Fans were skeptical when Mike McCarthy was brought on as the new head coach and he decided to switch both McCormick and Fautanu to the left side, but Kaboly certainly has a point. Fautanu was seen as a first-round talent, and his experience at left tackle already should make this a transition that is doable for the third-year tackle.
Steelers Should Feel Pressure As An Organization
So much of the past few seasons has been about rebuilding the trenches. So far, the Steelers have not done a great job. The franchise traded up to draft Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys before the regular season began. He never lived up to the expectations that were placed on him as a first-round pick, and hopefully Fautanu can. The same can be said for Max Iheanachor, who should be getting inserted into the starting lineup at some point.
What do you think about Kaboly's comments on Fautanu? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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