Steelers facing tough decision after offensive line’s disastrous start
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have an Aaron Rodgers problem, but it has little to do with their veteran quarterback’s ability to make plays.
Keeping him protected has quickly become one of Pittsburgh’s biggest concerns.
That was evident during Sunday’s 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots, when communication breakdowns and missed assignments repeatedly put Rodgers under pressure. One disastrous sequence ended with linebacker Christian Elliss coming completely unblocked before combining with Robert Spillane to hit Rodgers and force a fumble.
The ball traveled backward 36 yards before Pittsburgh recovered, leaving the Steelers facing fourth-and-43.
Rodgers was sacked four times and lost another fumble when defensive tackle Christian Barmore beat Spencer Anderson. Elijah Ponder recovered that turnover and returned it for a New England touchdown.
The protection problems have Steelers coach Mike McCarthy looking for answers.
“Our protections weren’t clean,” McCarthy said after the loss, acknowledging communication breakdowns and a lack of consistency in the trenches. McCarthy also placed responsibility on himself and the coaching staff for failing to have the unit sufficiently prepared.
Steelers’ experiment backfires
Pittsburgh’s preseason approach could be contributing to the problem.
McCarthy experimented with several offensive-line combinations throughout training camp rather than allowing one starting five to consistently work together. Rodgers also did not play during the preseason, limiting opportunities for the quarterback and offensive line to develop game-speed chemistry.
Through two games, the results have been concerning.
According to ESPN Analytics and NFL Next Gen Stats, Pittsburgh ranks 13th with a 52.5% pass block win rate. The running game has struggled even more, with the Steelers ranking near the bottom of the NFL in run-block win rate and rushing production.
Pittsburgh is averaging only 74.5 rushing yards per game.
Now another challenge awaits.
The Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and Cincinnati enters the matchup tied for the NFL lead with eight sacks.
With Rodgers now 42, Pittsburgh cannot afford repeated free rushers and protection breakdowns. Establishing continuity and improving communication up front could determine whether the Steelers’ offense can finally find its rhythm.
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