The @steelers have not allowed a sack in 255 consecutive pass attempts, which is the third longest streak since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger. Miami (775, 1988-89) and Washington (256, 1991) are the only franchises to own longer streaks…#BertschyBits pic.twitter.com/jtjtoVZUV5
— Michael Bertsch (@SteelersPRMike) December 9, 2020
When it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the offensive line has been the best unit on the team. And the worst. Literally in the same game. Wait, just hear me out because the split personality of the Pittsburgh offensive line is quite puzzling.
On one hand, you have the run game. The Steelers are currently 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 92.6 and are only gaining 3.7 yards per carry.
But in terms of pass protection, the Steelers offensive line has been tremendous. On the season, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has only been sacked 10 times and this group hasn’t allowed a sack in the last five games.
Why such a disparity between the two? It might not have as much to do with the line as you think. In terms of the run game, being forced to block for marginal NFL starter talent makes their job more complicated. This is compounded by the fact the coaching staff has completely abandoned the style of running that worked at the start of the season, and seem to have given up completely on trying to run the ball with any consistency.
On the other side, part of the reason the pass protection has been so good is because of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He’s getting rid of the football faster than he ever has in his career and he is letting the Steelers offensive line off the hook in many cases.
