Less than 3 seconds. That is how much time on average NFL quarterbacks have to drop back and complete a pass before being pummeled. The Steeler’s quarterbacks averaged the quickest release time last season with an average of 2.2 seconds. As a result, the Steelers were also bottom half of the league in yards per attempt. That was of course with the immobile giant Ben Roethlisberger at the helm. Now, the Steelers have mobility and speed at QB with two young guns. A young and inexperienced offensive line last year for the was looking to gel together this offseason. Guys like Kendrick Green, Dan Moore Jr, and Chukwuma Okorafor struggled last season and they needed to drastically improve on their play.
The Steelers Offensive line is still in utter shambles. Last week’s preseason finale vs the Detroit Lions set off an alarm that the O line is far from ready. During the first half of Sunday’s game vs the Lions, the Steelers offensive line combined for 6 penalties. The offense was very stagnant the entire game. They were barely able to move down the field with the exception of a few drives. It felt like every time Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett dropped back to pass the ball, the opposing team’s defense was right in their face immediately.
What’s worse is that star running back Najee Harris struggled to find any holes in the line. He was held to just 10 yards on 4 carries, and added 11 yards on 3 receptions in what was his only bit of game time he saw the entire preseason. The Lions game wasn’t the first time this preseason the offensive line has looked bad either. In the game vs the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mitch Trubisky had to scramble for his life on nearly every play.
Here are the grades that each Steelers offensive lineman got for the Lions game.
#Steelers pass-block grades in preseason finale vs Lions:
Kevin Dotson: 86.5 🟩
Chukwuma Okorafor: 82.8 🟩
James Daniels: 80.1🟩
Dan Moore: 61.4 🟨
Mason Cole: 56.2 🟧
Kendrick Green: 17.7 🟥😬— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) August 31, 2022
Here are some clips from the Jaguars game of Mitch Trubisky having to scramble because the line broke down.
If the Steelers’ offensive line is going to be an utter disaster (again), then at least they have actual athleticism at the QB position this time around.
Mitch Trubisky has really displayed some nifty escape ability this preseason. That’s going to continue being very useful. pic.twitter.com/cPm8kfNCKx
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) August 22, 2022
The Steelers have every single piece that they need to be a competitor for a super bowl, except for an offensive line. They have a great young running back and a slew of athletic wide receivers and tight ends. Plus, it’s never a bad problem to have if both of your quarterbacks are playing so well that the coach doesn’t know who to start. Whether the quarterback is Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett, the Steelers defense will keep games in reach for them this season. Ironically, the Steelers biggest obstacle this season is their offensive line. (See what I did there?)
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
