We all know that the Steelers are counting on their offensive line in 2012 to be much better than it has been in the past several years.
The club has spent some high draft choices on the line, and today PFW says that the line needs to be a stronger unit in 2012, and they question if it will be able to come together as fast as the team needs it to.
There has been plenty of focus on what changes new coordinator Todd Haley will implement on offense, as well as how well he will work with QB Ben Roethlisberger. While these are material issues, there’s no doubting that Roethlisberger’s rare passing gifts and daring style of play all but guarantee that he will put his unique stamp on the offense no matter the coordinator — though whether Haley works to implement more short, quick passing with an eye on protecting Roethlisberger from the rush is something to watch, the way we hear it. A more pressing issue, we’re told, is how a potentially new-look Steelers’ offensive line jells. Pittsburgh could have new starters at both guard spots as well as at left tackle, with rookies David DeCastro (right guard) and Mike Adams (left tackle) possible Week One starters. Building continuity upfront can take time, so let’s see how Pittsburgh fares in that regard.
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DrGeorge
June 22, 2012 at 7:12 pm
For the record, Mike Wilkening wrote the PFW article, and it seems to me a fair and balanced view. Most Steelers fans also wonder whether the new line will come together as quickly as needed. Notwithstanding the considerable hype and the talent of our new acquisitions, a line as young as this one will probably struggle initially. Fans realize that.
One major difference this year is the likelihood that T. Haley will run the ball more often and with greater authority, and not just to protect Ben. The virtue of the rushing game for an O-line is that run blocking is easier to learn than NFL pass protection. Until our young studs become accustomed to reading the many different looks of blitzing LBs, Ben’s pass protection may not improve immediately, although it will in time. Meanwhile, our rushing game should help the O-line develop a level of continuity and trust that will get them through the initial frustrations. I would expect Haley’s rushing offense to be pretty awesome from Day 1, possibly even utilizing a two RB set from time to time — with the pass protection slowly rising to the same level of proficiency by Game 8 or 9 of this season. But the dominance the pundits are predicting for an O-line this talented probably won’t be realized with any consistency until next season.
The wild card in all this is Pouncey’s health. If he can make it through a full season unscathed, his presence will accelerate the learning process for the new guys. (In that regard, we would be wise to hang on to Legursky, the only backup we have with any significant experience at Center.) Barring key injuries, the O-line should mature and develop just fine.
Everyone knows that Redman is licking his chops in anticipation of running behind the new line. I suspect Sean Kugler is in much the same frame of mind for very different reasons. Not many NFL line coaches get the chance to develop this much talent in one season. If things break right, this season could be a career-maker for him.
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