Results 1 to 2 of 2

Thread: Steelers offensive line finds footing at long last

  1. #1
    Senior Member Array title="Lady Steel has a reputation beyond repute"> Lady Steel's Avatar

    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Gender
    Posts
    5,134

    Steelers offensive line finds footing at long last

    After years of underachieving, bad luck with injuries and a coaching carousel that never seemed to stop for very long, the Steelers offensive line finally found some footing in 2014.

    With a new coach, good health and continuity, a position group that constantly had been questioned is now on the upswing.

    With all five starters returning for the 2015 season, it’s possible the positive momentum can help this unit become one of the best in the NFL.

    The offensive line was in shambles in 2013. It lost its best player in the first game of the season, injuries wreaked havoc at other positions, and another starter and high draft pick was replaced by a reserve for performance issues in the middle of the season.

    New offensive line coach Mike Munchak stepped in and solved many of the problems that plagued the unit in previous years. A Hall of Fame player, former head coach and longtime offensive line tutor, Munchak simplified things for his players, instilled confidence in them and molded a unit that made some significant strides.

    The Steelers improved their running game, jumping from 27th in the league in 2013 to 16th this season. The pass protection improved, too. After allowing 43 sacks in 2013, the Steelers this season allowed 33.

    That was big progress for a group that had been viewed as underachievers before Munchak arrived. With two former first-round picks and a former second-round pick, this crew is beginning to tap its potential.



    http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/s...s/201501250186


  2. #2
    Senior Member Array title="zulater has a reputation beyond repute"> zulater's Avatar

    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Fair Hill Md.
    Posts
    15,903

    Re: Steelers offensive line finds footing at long last

    Steelers offensive line ranked 8th as a unit by Profootballfocus.
    https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...ne-rankings/4/

    8. Pittsburgh Steelers (15th)

    Pass Blocking Ranking: 3rd, Run Blocking Ranking: 11th, Penalties Ranking: 17th

    Stud: You don’t often hear the name Kelvin Beachum mentioned, but the former seventh-round pick has developed into an excellent tackle, finishing fifth overall in our left tackle rankings.

    Dud: How close are the Steelers to pulling the plug on the Mike Adams experiment? The backup lineman was forced into playing 372 snaps and garnered a team-worst -14.5 grade from them.

    Breakdown: It’s taken some years but the Steelers have transformed from one of the worst lines in the league to one of the best. Young talent has come through and delivered, with Beachum, Marcus Gilbert and David DeCastro all grading positively. Special mention for Maurkice Pouncey who is finally playing up to a level close to the hype he has received his entire career.
    "A man's got to know his limitations."

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •