Steelers Tackle Impresses Mike Tomlin with Performance vs. Rams
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers played with fire, throwing Dan Moore Jr. back onto the field. But he responded to their faith in him well, playing his best game of the season so far. It was one of the best games of Moore’s career. According to Pro Football Focus, Moore allowed just one pressure on 29 pass-blocking snaps. He earned a 77.5 PFF grade, the best on the team’s offensive line for this game. Rookie Byron Young had become a productive pass rusher with the help of Aaron Donald.
Coming into the game, Moore allowed 20 pressures, which was among the most in the NFL, despite playing fewer games than most tackles that qualified. But this type of game can catapult a guy’s confidence. Mike Tomlin saw what Moore was doing out there and liked it, too.
“I thought he was really solid,” Tomlin said. “Man, not only in his play, but in his demeanor. He brings a grown-man approach to it. Thought he was really good.”
Moore got knocked to the sideline for the impressive Broderick Jones due to an MCL sprain he suffered early against the Houston Texans. But it appeared, coming off the bye week, that he would start. The Rams hardly have anyone who is a star at edge rushers like the gauntlet Moore faced to kick off the season. Whatever the case, Moore rewarded the Steelers’ faith in him. Even with the promising rookie in Jones on the sidelines, Pittsburgh will hope they can start to see some of the fruits of their confidence in Moore. After all, he still has another year on his rookie contract and has learned to play right tackle on top of left tackle. Tomlin won’t reveal anything if there is a debate about who will play moving forward.
“I wouldn’t peel back the curtain for you if there was a debate,” Tomlin said.
Moore did well both in pass protection and run blocking. The Steelers’ offensive line started to find water and crack through their struggles. Moore and even center Mason Cole played their best games of the year statistically and on tape. So, it is unsurprising that the team suddenly found success rushing the ball and making plays happen. Now comes the point where Moore has to build upon that. He has a chance with Josh Allen coming to Pittsburgh on Sunday. That should push Moore to see just how much growth he has taken.
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