Steelers' Mason McCormick Could Face Payback From Bengals Star After Controversial Block

The Pittsburgh Steelers have developed an offensive line that seems to enjoy getting under the skin of opposing defenders. That mentality has helped transform Pittsburgh's running game, but it hasn't necessarily made the group many friends around the AFC North. One of the NFL's most accomplished defensive linemen might have a little extra motivation heading into Sunday night's divisional showdown, and a Steelers insider doesn't expect Pittsburgh to back down.

Mason McCormick generated considerable controversy following Pittsburgh's 30-27 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in September. Video footage circulated of the guard lifting the leg of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence while center Zach Frazier engaged him on a double team. Cincinnati fans weren't particularly thrilled with the technique.

Former NFL offensive lineman Kyle Long questioned the legality of the maneuver, while Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp defended McCormick's block. Regardless of where people stood on the debate, it became one of the more memorable storylines from Pittsburgh's first divisional victory under its new coaching staff.

Longtime Steelers insider Jim Wexell believes Lawrence will remember the encounter when the two teams meet again Sunday. During a recent Bengals preview, Wexell expressed confidence that Pittsburgh's interior offensive line would welcome the challenge.

“Dexter Lawrence is in the middle and he's going to be looking for revenge against Mason McCormick for the dirty deeds of the last time. I don't know that Mason will care. I think he'll continue his onslaught of Dexter Lawrence, and Zach Frazier's playing so well. Brock Hoffman's playing well,” Wexell said.

Lawrence certainly wasn't ineffective during the first meeting. The three-time Pro Bowler recorded four tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss. However, Pittsburgh still managed to produce 411 yards of offense, with Jaylen Warren rushing for 127 yards on just 17 carries. Warren also had an 87-yard touchdown run erased by a holding penalty.

The Bengals acquired Lawrence from the New York Giants in April for a first-round draft pick. He's already recorded five sacks and eight tackles for loss this season, making him every bit as dangerous as Cincinnati expected when it surrendered that selection.

At 6-foot-5 and 350 pounds, Lawrence presents a particularly difficult challenge for opposing centers. His combination of size and explosiveness allows him to collapse the pocket from the middle, sometimes before a quarterback has finished his drop. Asking Frazier to consistently handle him without assistance would be a risky proposition.

Fortunately for Pittsburgh, Wexell believes Frazier has become an exceptional player himself.

“Zach Frazier, man, he is a technician. He is really playing good ball,” Wexell said.

Frazier has received significant recognition for his development this season. His ability to establish leverage and maintain balance against considerably larger defenders has helped Pittsburgh get more movement along the interior.

McCormick brings a different element to that partnership. The guard has developed a reputation for finishing blocks with some extra enthusiasm, most recently receiving an unnecessary roughness penalty for throwing Cleveland edge rusher Jared Verse to the ground during an extra point.

Wexell believes the combination of Frazier's technical ability and McCormick's aggressive playing style could once again create problems for Lawrence.

“He's a polished technician. And having a crazy dude like McCormick helping him with Dexter Lawrence, those two are going to try to do the job on Lawrence again,” Wexell said.

The development of Brock Hoffman at right guard also gives Pittsburgh more flexibility when Lawrence shifts across the defensive front. Cincinnati can't necessarily create a favorable matchup simply by moving him away from McCormick.

Steelers Have An Opportunity To Dictate The Game Against Cincinnati

Pittsburgh's offensive line helped produce 200 rushing yards against the Cleveland Browns before the bye. Establishing that same physical presence against Cincinnati could be particularly important with first place in the AFC North on the line.

Containing Lawrence would allow Warren to continue attacking the interior while giving Aaron Rodgers room to step into his throws. Pittsburgh would also benefit from avoiding lengthy third-down situations that allow Lawrence to concentrate exclusively on rushing the passer.

McCormick's aggressive mentality has become a valuable part of Pittsburgh's offensive identity, but he can't afford to let Sunday's matchup become personal. Giving Cincinnati free yards because of an unnecessary penalty would accomplish exactly what Lawrence should want.

The Steelers don't need McCormick to win some individual wrestling match with Lawrence. They need him and Frazier to keep Warren moving downfield and Rodgers upright. Considering how well Pittsburgh has run the football lately, that might be a far more satisfying way to frustrate Lawrence than anything McCormick could do after the whistle.

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