PFF: Steelers Soar up OL Rankings after Strong Game

The Steelers’ offensive line played one of their better games of the season against the Los Angeles Rams. If you ask Pro Football Focus, it was not just one of their better games but their best games. By their charting numbers, the Steelers allowed just six pressures on the day, with Aaron Donald collecting five. Overall, the Steelers ranked 23rd in the NFL among offensive lines in PFF’s rankings last week. This week, they shot up to 18th overall. Part of that was their performance; another was Dan Moore Jr’s play.

“Following his injury, Dan Moore Jr. was back in the lineup at left tackle and played the best game of his season. He gave up just one pressure against the Rams,” PFF wrote. “The Steelers’ offensive line played its best game of 2023 and surrendered just six pressures on 28 dropbacks against Los Angeles. As a result, the unit ranked fifth in pass-blocking efficiency rating in Week 7.”

The best offensive lineman to them is still Isaac Seumalo, who has allowed nine pressures in six games. Three came against Donald in their matchup. Mike Tomlin agrees with PFF on how Moore performed, and he was impressed by what he saw from Moore in his first game back from an MCL sprain.

“I thought he was really solid,” Tomlin said. “Man, not only in his play, but in his demeanor. He brings a grown-man approach to it. Thought he was really good.”

Moore did well both in pass protection and run blocking. The Steelers’ offensive line started to find water and crack through their struggles. Moore and even center Mason Cole played their best games of the year statistically and on tape. So, it is unsurprising that the team suddenly found success rushing the ball and making plays happen. Now comes the point where Moore has to build upon that. He has a chance with Josh Allen coming to Pittsburgh on Sunday. Jacksonville’s front is talented and should test Pittsburgh.