We are about a month away from something that will resemble NFL training camps and we will finally get a look at what the Pittsburgh Steelers will look like. But before we look ahead let us look back at last season and see what worked and what didn’t. This time we have the offensive line.
Looking back at 2019
When quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went down with an injury in the second game of the season the team could have turned to what had been one of the best offensive lines in the league to keep the offense afloat.
But this didn’t happen. On one hand, this group, led by two former first-round picks did an excellent job protecting the quarterback. This is made more impressive when you consider just who was playing quarterback.
I just wish the same could have been said for the run game. This group, which had built a reputation for being one of the most efficient run-blocking groups in the league fell flat. Even when teams didn’t stack the box players like Maurkice Pouncey and Alejandro Villanueva didn’t do their part.
Pittsburgh ranked No. 31 in pass yards and No. 29 in rushing yards in 2019.
Looking ahead to 2020
It is debatable if the Steelers offensive line is better or worse right now. The surprise retirement of Ramon Foster was a hit to the group. In fairness, it’s hard to know if Stefan Wisniewski is any better. But if we assume the move is lateral, this group is another year older. and there’s no youth among the projected starters.
Overall
Looking to the future beyond 2020, things look solid. Guys like Zach Banner, Chuks Okorafor and Kevin Dotson could be the heart of the next great Steelers offensive line but it’s doubtful any of them are ready to win starting spots this season.
The best thing that can happen for the Steelers offensive line is to get Roethlisberger back healthy because as we saw last season, he makes everyone on the roster better.
