Failure to fix offensive line could doom Steelers
In their 16-15 win over the Jaguars on Saturday, the Steelers had several bright spots. Rookie Kenny Pickett completed six of seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars' first-string defense. The defense played well. Mason Rudolph also played well in the second half, throwing the winning touchdown to Tyler Snead.
The revamped offensive line, however, struggled again.
Former general manager Kevin Colbert and his successor, Omar Khan, dedicated much of their offseason resources to fixing an offensive line that Pro Football Focus ranked 26th a year ago. It clearly was one of the worst units in football.
Pittsburgh had the cap space to address the issue. Instead, the Steelers signed uninspiring veterans James Daniels for right guard and Mason Cole for center when proven vets Terron Armstead, Brandon Scherff and La’el Collins were available.
On Saturday, the Steelers only rushed for 24 yards. Their leading rushers were Steven Sims Jr., a wide receiver, and quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Kendrick Green, last season's center, and Kevin Dotson are waging a battle at left guard, and tackle Dan Moore Jr. has already allowed five pressures.
In the offseason, Green told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, “I can do a lot better at guard. To be honest, I didn’t like playing center.”
It doesn't appear he likes to play guard either. He spent most of Saturday night in the backfield.
Pickett continues to impress, but if the line cannot be trusted, coach Mike Tomlin might be better off keeping him on the sideline instead of starting him over Trubisky.
The Steelers did well this offseason, re-signing important pieces Minkah Fitzpatrick (safety), Diontae Johnson (wideout) and Chris Boswell (kicker). They signed cornerback Levi Wallace in free agency, a solid move. Best of all, they drafted a potential franchise quarterback and got the most talented wide receiver in the draft at pick No. 50, George Pickens.
Pittsburgh left cracks in the foundation of its offensive line that could bring down the entire house.
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