How can the O Line be such a mess?

Granted it's pre-season but they were a mess on virtually every play. No pass protection, no holes to run through, literally getting mauled over and over.

They have regressed which I don't get?

 

4 guys at new positions. It will take time. I think that TF is good, but we don't really have another starting caliber OT. Too bad Max got hurt. Would have been nice to see him play.

And the backups are backups.

 

I guess that's what I am concerned about. The O-line improved as last year went on, I realize we have new talent but it seems like we are just trying too much stuff. They need some time to gel.

 

New positions, new plays, new blocking schemes, new techniques, new coaches

 

they were backups for most of the game.

 

OT is gonna be a major issue again if Iheanachor doesn't become the second coming of Jonithan Ogden.

 

I guess we go OT again in the first round in next year’s draft.

 

Been an issue since Pouncey retired.

 

I'm convinced that is because of coaching. It seems that Tomlin's refusal to scheme to his talent was exaggerated with Meyer.

 

I think all the changes are the reason that many predicted us taking a step back this season.

I hope to be wrong with that prediction. I did underestimate the win total for the last few years.

 

Kahn and Weidl own this OL.

 

Pouncey? You mean since AV left. Center position is ok with ZF.

the tackle positions have been a mess

 

We weren’t playing Frazier or McCormick. Cook had a rough game, and Jones no longer looks NFL-capable—he surrendered two sacks. The result was an alarmingly bad performance up front.

Once Dunker and Max I. are back on the field (Thanksgiving?), the Steelers should be in much better shape. Still, I’m concerned about the overall tackle depth and the lack of proven NFL experience at the position.

The alarming thing to be was not the mistakes, but the lack of physicality last night.

 

cook did not have a bad game last night.

 

Where is Thanksgiving coming from?

 

I agree with you about Jones, but I thought Cook looked pretty good when he was on the left side (not the right). If you're putting your hopes for OL play on Dunker and Max, you might be extremely disappointed, because it could well be that neither of them cracks the starting lineup this season.

The O-line's poor performance does cause me to wonder about the in-house evaluation process. If they're looking good in practice, maybe our DL isn't all that. As far as lack of physicality, maybe McCarthy needs to start demanding more of it in practice?

 

Well, there were these pilgrims who came to the new world...

 

It takes time for a rookie to learn his trade. By Thanksgiving, Max I. and Dunker will have a much clearer idea of what to do and could be pressing for starting roles in 2026.

 

Last night Cook was subpar. In 2025 he was better than solid.

I think Jones is damaged goods and was never particularly good to begin with. IMO, he’ll be cut.

No, I do not expect Dunker or Max I. to start the season. But as I said earlier, by Thanksgiving my hope is they’ll have a much clearer idea of what they’re doing. Does this make sense?Dunker brings excellent physicality to his game. Max I., limited to practice and missing preseason games, has still stood out in pass protection against our edge rushers—which is impressive.

In closing, I feel good about the OL depth and future of the unit. Last night was puke, but those players who stunk up the joint are not going to be here in 2027.

 

‘Then why not play the starters longer so they establish some continuity? I get there is injury risk but you can’t run from it.

 

Or Porter’s replacement if they do something silly with his contract.

 

But remember, Jets built a decent pressure defense the last few years.

Jets Defense was definitely better than Steelers Oline.

 

I disagree. Lt and LG were the positions played by Troy and Mason in college. Troy has a little rust there but he is knocking it off. Spenser just is what he is a low ceiling spot starter. Cook is probably exposed with inferior talent next to him at guard. I think the bigger issue is we are playing with one less down linemen and less of Washington on the line to help cover for the Cooks and Spencer’s. Playing in a more true 11 personnel has exposed these guys to more true one on one blocking and they just aren’t equipped for that at least Cook and Anderson.

we need to get Max in there as soon as possible and probably run a heavier look with more Washington to help assist until the line gels and gets up to par. Hoffman or Anderson will probably do better once Max is established. Heck the 11 personnel may also not be viable just from a blocking perspective when you still are fairly weak and uncertain at the third wr spot.

Why put a Roman Wilson out there in place of Washington when Wilson doesn’t give you much upside as the third receiving option anyway and you reduce your protection by not have Washington in there to block?

 

The real issue is we ran a heavy personnel last year with Washington at TE in to assist in both pass and run blocking and we often added an extra lineman. Cook was rarely asked to block one on one nor was Anderson. With the 11 personnel grouping those guys no longer have help. We could probably get by with one of those guys in there but not both of them especially lined up next to each other.

We need to abandon the 11 personnel right now (Wilson) doesn’t add much value anyway and play more Darnell at minimum to help with the oline. Darnell can be a safety valve at least until the line develops some continuity. I don’t think there is a lot of upside with Cook or Anderson. They need to get Max in there asap with Washington as his safety blanket until he gets some reps u def of 11 personnel. Once <ax is somewhat established having a Hoffman in there or Anderson will be more doable.

 

The OL played like they came over from a soccer team in Europe.