The Pittsburgh Steelers have another preseason game ahead Friday night when they host the New York Jets. After ushering in the Mike McCarthy era with an unofficial victory Thursday night, the coaching staff received plenty of valuable information. While there were positives from the 28-9 victory, the first-team offensive line had an up-and-down performance. The unit committed penalties, allowed pressure, and struggled to establish the ground game. However, McCarthy and his staff may have taken a step toward challenging the group while addressing those concerns.
Steelers beat reporter Chris Adamski of Tribune Live highlighted that the Steelers put Brock Hoffman in with the first-team offensive line. He noted that this marked the first time since OTAs that Spencer Anderson did not receive the starting snaps at right guard.
“Read into this what you will (and maybe don't), but for the 1st walkthru period of practice today Brock Hoffman is at right guard. Something worth watching the rest of practice. Spencer Anderson had been without fail RG1 since May.” Adamski reported on X.
Change on the offensive line or raising a challenge?
It remains too early to call this a permanent change, especially with the preseason still underway. However, it shows that the Steelers are willing to challenge their offensive line after a rough opening performance.
The first-team unit struggled to consistently create running lanes, gave up pressure, and penalties also disrupted the offense. Those issues cannot continue if Pittsburgh wants to establish a more physical and efficient offense.
Giving Hoffman first-team reps could simply provide the coaching staff with another look, but it also sends a message that starting jobs must be earned. Competition can push the entire unit to improve before the regular season begins.
Anderson may not have the job locked up yet
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Anderson has received the majority of first-team reps at right guard since May, but that does not necessarily mean he has the position locked down. Hoffman now has an opportunity to show the coaching staff what he can provide with the starters.
The Steelers still have time to evaluate their options. The preseason also gives McCarthy and his staff a chance to test different combinations. If Anderson responds well to the challenge, the competition could ultimately make him a better player.
For now, the change is worth monitoring. Hoffman getting first-team reps could be nothing more than an evaluation, but it also reinforces that no position on the offensive line should be considered guaranteed.
