One of the biggest concerns of the preseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers has become the play of the offensive line. The starting unit hasn’t looked particularly strong and the depth behind it has been noticeably worse. Head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive line coach James Campen have also been moving players around. Broderick Jones and Dylan Cook have played both left and right tackle this preseason with mixed results. One longtime beat writer believes it’s time to wind down the experiments and play the best five in the preseason finale Thursday night.
Mark Kaboly told Chris Mack on their podcast that this was necessary. He called for McCarthy and Campen to name the starting five, set the expectations, and have them play extended snaps Thursday night in Buffalo.
“I think the issue right now is this: McCarthy just has it in his mind that he wants to find combinations for when somebody gets hurt, so he can plug in people left and right … You know what I would worry about? The starting five right now. You make that decision right now. Dylan Cook, you’re my right tackle, and Spencer Anderson, you’re my right guard. Let’s go play a half in Buffalo.” Kaboly said.
Steelers should use final game as dress rehearsal for offensive line
The Steelers should use the preseason finale as a dress rehearsal for their starting offensive line. McCarthy wants his players to have the versatility to fill multiple roles when injuries occur, but that flexibility shouldn’t come at the expense of developing the starting unit.
The Steelers need their entire starting five to play extended snaps together Thursday night. The offensive line has looked shaky through the first two preseason games and the regular season is quickly approaching. Giving the starters a full half, or even longer, would give them valuable opportunities to build chemistry and establish consistency before the games start counting.
The goal shouldn’t be to determine how many positions each player can play. At this point, the Steelers need to determine which five players give them the best chance to protect the quarterback and create running lanes.
Could the shuffling of personnel be the cause for offensive line preseason struggles?
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The constant shuffling along the offensive line could be contributing to some of the unit’s struggles. While McCarthy has emphasized versatility, offensive linemen still need consistency to develop timing and communication with the players around them.
Moving players between left and right tackle or guard can help prepare for injuries, but it can also prevent the starting unit from developing the chemistry it needs. Every player has different techniques and responsibilities depending on where he lines up, making continuity particularly important.
The Steelers should continue developing versatility behind the starters, but they also need to establish defined roles. Once the regular season begins, players can be moved around when injuries force the issue. For now, the priority should be getting the best five on the field together and allowing them to build some consistency before Week 1.
