The Pittsburgh Steelers have endured an enormous amount of turnover on the offensive line during the 2024 season, and still, the unit has been crucial in the team getting to 5-2. With a second straight primetime home game coming up in Week 8, Pittsburgh’s offensive trenches will get another big test after defeating the New York Jets in Week 7.
Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Line Injuries
The 2024 offseason was all about building a better roster for the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially regarding the offensive line. 2023 represented a step forward with Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels bringing veteran experience and the team trading up to get Broderick Jones in the first round. Omar Khan and Andy Weidl wanted 2024 to be another sign of progress in the trenches, and Pittsburgh did precisely that by drafting Troy Fautanu (Tackle), Zach Frazier (Center), and Mason McCormick (Guard) in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Not only did the Pittsburgh Steelers bring in rookie talent, but depth on the line was an important focus for the franchise, and it turns out for good reason. Fautanu, Daniels, and Center Nate Herbig have been lost for the season to injury, Seumalo has missed time, and Frazier is still returning from an ankle sprain. The “next man up” concept is practically a cliche in the NFL. Still, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been living that reality in 2024, with McCormick, Ryan McCollum, and Spencer Anderson filling in admirably in place of injured starters.
Week 7 Was a Big Challenge
Consecutive losses to the Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys left the Pittsburgh Steelers needing a bounce-back win, which came in the form of a 32-13 road victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the Jets on Sunday Night Football presented a much more legitimate challenge across the defensive front, especially with Frazier unable to play. The result was another statement win, this time on a national stage, as the Steelers beat New York 37-15.
Week 7 was Russell Wilson’s first start of 2024, and a concern heading into the primetime game was whether the offensive line could protect the veteran passer. Justin Fields had led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 4-2 record, but often, it was Fields’ legs that allowed the offense to find success rather than a pure passing game. Wilson wouldn’t be as mobile, but Mike Tomlin was betting on his veteran experience to play a vital role in the game if he could get the protection necessary. While it wasn’t always pretty, Wilson stayed upright and showed another level of quarterback play that had been missing for some time in Pittsburgh.
Monday Night Will Be a True Test
If the Jets were a test for Pittsburgh’s offensive line, the Week 8 clash with the New York Giants will truly reveal how stout the unit is. Dexter Lawrence is one of the best defensive linemen in the league and currently leads the NFL in sacks with nine. With Frazier out for at least another week, McCollum will have his hands full dealing with Lawrence for an entire game under the lights. A revitalized rushing attack and wily play-action are foundational to an Arthur Smith offense, and Lawrence poses a massive threat to both of those areas if he isn’t contained.
Brian Burns, a new face on the Giants’ defense in 2024, is another player who could disrupt Pittsburgh’s slow-starting offense. With four sacks, Burns knows that the 2-5 Giants need more production from the high-profile acquisition, and an injured Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line could look appetizing. Jones and Dan Moore Jr. have dealt with their own respective struggles on edge, but the interior of the offensive line is the undeniable strength of the group. With Lawrence and Burns waiting on Monday Night, it will be up to the combination of Seumalo, McCollum, and McCormick to get the job done up front.
Conclusion
The offensive line’s success is a key component to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense having more than just a chance against legitimate opponents. Week 8 is the last game before the bye, and then the brutal second half of the 2024 season starts for Pittsburgh. Wilson has gotten a full week of work to continue shaking off the rust that was visible early in the game against the Jets, so if he gets protection, it should be another week when the offense takes a step forward. Najee Harris is enjoying an energetic, bruising streak of impressive outings, and keeping him on this tear is necessary for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
McCollum seems to be punching above his weight, and the stage hasn’t been too big for the depth lineman. Seumalo’s veteran presence has been priceless since returning from injury, and McCormick’s quick progression is another plus for the offense. The trenches will determine how Week 8 goes for the Steelers. A sixth win before the bye week would give Pittsburgh an advantage as the team prepares for the gauntlet that begins in Week 10. A great deal of the responsibility for the offense doing its part is the blocking unit, which looks ready to rise to the occasion whenever called upon.
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