In 2018, most NFL pundits agreed that the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line was among the truly elite in the league. Not only were they the immoveable object in pass protection but the irresistible force in the run game. But in 2019, when the team needed them most, the Steelers offensive line didn’t show up.
Pro Football Focus noticed this when they put out their offensive line rankings for 2019 and dropped the Steelers from No. 1 last season to No. 9 this season with the same players.
Here’s what they had to say about the Steelers offensive line:
Injuries to the quarterback, running back and wide receiver positions quickly turned one of the NFL’s better offenses from a season ago into a unit that averaged more yards per play than only the Redskins, Bears and Jets this season.
What do we attribute the falling off of this group? Some can simply be a case of this group getting a year older. And getting banged up. Injuries were once again an issue but this happens every season.
The biggest reason for the slide might simply be due to coaching. One of the things the Steelers prided them on was discipline and strong fundamentals. There was never a missed assignment or problem with communication. This was not the case this season and I believe some of this was due to the absence of Mike Munchak. His departure in the offseason has shown all year long.
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