Steelers' Offensive Line Receives Outstanding Praise From JJ Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has been one of the team's biggest weaknesses for quite some time, but it seems like the group is finally becoming a strength. Ever since rookie tackle Max Iheanachor and veteran guard Brock Hoffman were thrust into the starting lineup in place of the struggling Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson, the offensive line has begun to mold into a solid unit. Iheanachor has performed very well for a raw prospect who was viewed as a project player. These early-season changes could be the key to Pittsburgh's improving offensive line play.

The offensive line's struggles were one of the major factors that played into the inconsistency of the offense as a whole in 2025. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was frequently under pressure, which resulted in a passive, nonexplosive offensive scheme. During the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season, the offense looked the same. It lacked splash-play ability and Rodgers was yet again under major duress. 

Head Coach Mike McCarthy took a big risk before Pittsburgh's Week 3 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals by starting Iheanachor and Hoffman, but the decision has since paid off lucratively. The Steelers' offense has now scored at least 24 points in three straight games and Rodgers has been dealing, throwing for 3 touchdowns in each contest during this stretch. The rushing attack has also improved significantly, as running back Jaylen Warren has been one of the league's most efficient backs while running behind the revamped offensive line. While the offense still has its struggles, this change has been a major step in the right direction, and there are no indications that this streak will come to an end anytime soon.

During a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, former NFL star and current analyst JJ Watt broke down the Steelers' offensive line improvements.

"There have been some bumps in the road for Iheanachor, but he has been fighting to improve," Watt noted. "Brock Hoffman has done a great job at the right guard spot. The unit does look better. You look at the totality since they made that switch and it absolutely does look better so far. You would imagine the young buck at right tackle is only going to improve with the more reps he gets. Mike McCarthy talks about the five offensive linemen needing time to gain chemistry... the more glue they build together, the better they will get."

Hearing this from a player who once terrorized offensive linemen every time he stepped on the field is very high praise for the Steelers' young offensive line. It has been very refreshing for fans to see Rodgers look comfortable in the pocket and Warren find space before contact. This offensive line deserves all the praise it is receiving, as we have not seen this kind of consistency from the offense as a whole in quite some time. The unit is the glue that holds everything together, and if it continues to improve, Steelers fans could be in for a much-needed efficient season from the offense.

Iheanachor's quick improvement has been a joy to watch, as he was viewed as a player who would need time to develop. There were questions surrounding his chance to even reach the starting lineup during his rookie season, let alone look like one of the best offensive tackles the Steelers have had in recent years. The offensive line as a whole is relatively young and each player has the opportunity to improve alongside his teammates. Together, they could provide the Steelers' offense with a rock-solid unit for years to come.

Steelers' Offensive Line Could Pave The Way For Future Quarterback

As documented, the 2026 season will be Rodgers' last in the NFL. Pittsburgh could already have its quarterback of the future on the roster in Will Howard or Drew Allar, but questions remain about whether either player could be the next franchise guy. Whether Pittsburgh chooses to build around one of these quarterbacks or draft another player in the coming years, its next franchise quarterback should have a young, solid offensive line to protect him as the unit continues to improve.