The Pittsburgh Steelers' plan since 2023 has been crystal clear: build the trenches through the NFL Draft. By spending premium draft capital on players like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick, General Manager Omar Khan and Assistant GM Andy Weidl want to rebuild an offensive line that needs a new look. The group ended the 2025 season on the rise as one of the NFL's best pass-protecting units, but this season, things look very different.
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Steelers' Troy Fautanu blocks against a pass rush during a road loss to the Patriots in 2026.
In Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, the offensive line was one of the biggest storylines. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers took some massive shots in the bout, including a huge blind-side hit due to a miscommunication by Fautanu that put the offense at 4th and 43. Rodgers finished the game, but it was clear his willingness to drive the ball downfield had diminished, putting the offense at an even greater disadvantage.
What fans have seen so far this season is nothing out of the ordinary, especially for the collective that's been on the field the past two seasons. The offensive line has started slow each of the last couple of seasons, and this season has been no different. In each slow start, they bounced back and progressed as the season went on, so fans in Steeler Nation should take a deep breath and let the season play on.
Insider Mark Kaboly recently had a mailbag via X, where he answered Steelers fans' questions. Kaboly was asked about the job Khan has done thus far in rebuilding the trenches, and whether he may be getting overrated. Kaboly acknowledges the poor start to the season but reassures fans there is no reason to panic just yet.
"Either that, or they just had a bad game? It’s not like they haven’t had bad starts to the season before just to turn around the trenches a month or so into the season. I am not willing to say that Zach Frazier stinks and Fautanu and McCormick are bums. We haven’t even seen Max Iheanachor yet. I think the demise of the offensive line has been greatly exaggerated," Kaboly wrote.
The offensive line that ended 2025 is a completely different unit this season, with only Frazier remaining in his original spot. Along with new positions, the team has implemented a new scheme, with Mike McCarthy running the show. Growing pains were imminent, but the communication errors and free rushers need to be cleaned up immediately.
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New Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy looks at his play sheet against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Frazier, Fautanu, and McCormick have shown growth every season of their careers, and 2026 should be no different. Under their new offensive line coach, James Campen, they should be able to get back on track this season and become the group they were expected to be. Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals will be no easy task, but the group needs to be up for the task.
Steelers' Offensive Line Has Something To Prove In Week 3
With the additions of Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, and Boye Mafe, the Bengals' defensive front has become a respected unit across the NFL. So far, in two games this season, they have wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. Their offense remains great, but now the defense is starting to help them win games, which is a scary sight for the rest of the NFL.
With Pittsburgh's offensive struggles, Week 3 is a great opportunity to show improvement against a strong squad. By establishing a ground game and running play-action off it, the offense can give Steelers fans a taste of what they can do. Keeping Rodgers upright will be a huge task in the contest, allowing him to deliver downfield and make the offense dynamic.
The starting five up front has been struggling mightily, but there is no reason to panic yet. After being widely regarded as some of the best young, ascending big men in the NFL, they have started every season slowly and bounced back afterward.
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