Steelers Have Concerning Matchup Against Saints Defense

Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) looks to block against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers Have Concerning Matchup Against Saints Defense

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Oct 22, 2026 1:00 PM ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a challenging matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, with their offensive tackles facing a particularly difficult test in Paris. Pittsburgh has frequently left its tackles on islands in pass protection to maximize its receiving options, but that approach has produced inconsistent results through the first six games. With Aaron Rodgers already taking significant punishment, the Steelers must find a way to protect their veteran quarterback against one of New Orleans’ most productive defensive units.

The Saints boast a formidable edge-rushing duo in Chase Young and Carl Granderson, both of whom have made their presence felt this season. Their ability to generate pressure could expose Pittsburgh’s vulnerabilities in pass protection, especially if the Steelers continue to rely heavily on their tackles without additional help. If Max Iheanachor and Troy Fautanu struggle to contain New Orleans’ pass rush, the Steelers could find themselves in trouble against a Saints defense looking to disrupt their offensive rhythm.

Steelers’ Offensive Tackle Approach Presents Challenge

One defining aspect of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense is the trust they place in their offensive tackles. Specifically, Pittsburgh frequently leaves its tackles on islands in pass protection as the offense looks to maximize its eligible receivers. According to Pro Football Focus, Max Iheanachor and Troy Fautanu have each taken well over 70% of their season snaps in these situations. The results have been inconsistent, with the pair delivering strong performances one week before struggling in key situations the next.

So far, this approach has contributed to Aaron Rodgers taking 19 sacks through six games. That’s a concerning pace after Rodgers took just 29 sacks throughout the entire 2025 season. The Saints present a difficult matchup because their edge rushers have gotten off to a strong start and could give Pittsburgh’s tackles plenty of trouble on Sunday.

Saints EDGE Rushers Have Been Productive

Young and Granderson have formed a formidable duo in New Orleans, ranking seventh and 25th among NFL edge rushers, respectively, in Pro Football Focus’ grading. Combined, they have recorded 13 sacks, 37 pressures, and 19 run stuffs. That’s excellent production for the Saints and has helped them disrupt opposing offenses, including during their win over the Ravens earlier this season.

New Orleans’ biggest issues have come on the back end of its defense. However, Pittsburgh’s reliance on its offensive tackles could make this a particularly challenging matchup. The Steelers may need to reconsider their protection strategy if they want to give Rodgers enough time to operate effectively.

When Fautanu or Iheanachor struggles to hold up in pass protection, Pittsburgh has missed opportunities to make plays downfield. Those concerns become even more significant when considering the Steelers’ ongoing issues at wide receiver. If Rodgers doesn’t have enough time to let routes develop, Pittsburgh could struggle to generate consistent offense against the Saints.

Will Fautanu and Iheanachor be ready to handle Young and Granderson in Paris, or will the Saints’ pass rush expose a major weakness in Pittsburgh’s offense?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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