‘O’ Line in Steelers O-Line Stands for Obliterated
Currently in the NFL, there are a lot of teams performing under par, as the NFL has the highest team turnover rate in any professional sport. But while some are discussing the Eagles coverage collapses, and others are let down by the Jets inability to carry the load on offense, it is natural for most of the world to look no further than the defending AFC champs (who sit restlessly at 2-2) for a gaping issue. And for a team whose heritage and culture surrounds itself on solidarity, the Steelers offensive line has only become offensive to its fans and viewers who have to watch them.
Coming into the season, some rumblings has surfaced that maybe the defense had gotten to old or too slow. But while one cannot deny that Pittsburgh needs to tone up its tackling, run-stoppage, and coverage (beyond Ike Taylor), the true inconsistency that needs attention is the O-Line, who may be the single worst position unit in current day football. The constant pressure and beaten protection is becoming too much for even the elusive Ben Roethlisberger to handle. If not addressed soon, Ben will be sitting in a hospital bed, watching other teams in the playoffs as the Steelers sit at home.
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While the line has gotten younger (2nd youngest in the league actually on average), youth doesn't always equal success. That line is tied for third-highest in the league in sacks surrendered (14), and is 11th overall in hits to the QB (22). The loss of Willie Colon is surely a factor, but a small one. Although every member of the current 5 man line is banged up and has been shifted multiple times, they still rank among the top (or should I say bottom) in the league in holding and other infractions. What you need is stability. Rookie Marcus Gilbert hasn't set the world on fire, and Doug Legursky hasn't looked like he understands the cadence of Ben's count in ANY of the 3 spots he's played in to date. This line only has a combined 104 starts, whereas the league average of teams with winning records is over 300.
The Steelers made a solid move today in bringing back veteran Max Starks, who was cut in the offseason. Rumor has it that a similar move will be made with Flozell Adams, but that has yet to be confirmed. While that may help a bit, Pitt still has a long way to go. Maybe they should make a call to former 9-time Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, who retired in May. He's older and a step slower than he was in his Steeler hayday for sure, but is an experienced veteran who knows Ben and the Steeler system well. Another potential solution is to trade from a position you have depth in (preferably WR or LB) for a veteran lineman and a future pick. Receiver Jericho Cotchery has yet to play a snap yet this season and could be of value to a number of teams, and everyone knows Pittsburgh could trade a number of their linebackers and not miss a beat.
Whatever the case, this mass unit disgrace of an O-Line needs to get it together and make some moves, before the season gets into mid-season form and the Steelers are left behind. If something isn't done soon, Big Ben will be calling the doctors he's been all too familiar with, and the next Steeler discussion will be about which Pittsburgh bar they want to watch the playoffs from.
By Jason Burke
Pro Football Fans Pittsburgh Steelers Correspondent