PFF Makes Bold Prediction about Steelers Offense
The Steelers offense looks rejuvenated with a few key veteran additions on top of the young players taking a step forward. However, one area that remains the focus of the offense is the offensive line. The Steelers added Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, and Broderick Jones. They expect the group to leap forward from being league-average last year to a unit considered one of the NFL’s best.
Regarding tests, the 49ers’ top pass rush will give them a considerable test. But Pro Football Focus is buying stock in the Steelers offensive line. Part of it is the added players, but the upswing of the unit over the last few games of 2022 is factored into where they are going now. Having them ranked as the 12th overall offensive line to start the season, PFF believes the team will climb even higher by the end of the season.
“At the start of the 2022 NFL season, the Steelers’ offensive line placed 30th in PFF’s rankings. That group improved as the year wore on, ending up consistently in the middle of the pack and finishing at 12th in the final rankings,” PFF wrote. “This year, with the additions of veteran guard Isaac Seumalo and rookie Broderick Jones at tackle, they climb into the top 10. They allowed 138 total pressures as a unit last year, ranking seventh in pass-blocking efficiency — their stronger area — but both Seumalo and Jones should help to upgrade the run game, as well, propelling the group up the rankings.”
I often feel like I have been one of the more pessimistic voices on the offensive line. Indeed, the group is better than they were a year ago. Adding Seumalo is a massive boon to the stock of that group. But the tackles still leave some to be desired, and Broderick Jones will have rookie struggles, which is fine. Mason Cole is a replacement-level center who made a valiant effort last year but will struggle against top defensive tackles.
They should aim to be a top half of the league offensive line, which is very doable. A top-ten offensive line means the Dan Moore Jr. hype is real or Jones comes in as a rookie and lights the world on fire. All of that could happen, hence why this is a bold prediction. It should be a formidable unit, but I might have a little caution into diving into the hype of them as a Top-10 unit at season’s end just yet.
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