Pittsburgh’s Procrastination Bit The O-Line Hard
Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Some of the brightest, most talented people in the world are procrastinators. While I don’t consider myself in either of those categories, I am a world-class procrastinator. Article deadline? Buzzer beater submission. RSVP to your wedding? The very last day you’ll accept it. For a mere mortal like myself, it can come back to bite me, but generally, things work out. But for those who hold high-power positions or are in the public spotlight, those blunders are magnified and highlighted for all to see.
The national media is applauding the recent efforts by the Steelers’ front office to right the ship at the offensive line position. They have spent draft capital (including back-to-back first-round picks), gone out and signed highly-touted veterans like Isaac Seumalo, and even shipped Kedrick Green and Keven Dotson across the country. Each of these moves has led to an assembly of talent that runs deep in nearly every position.
One of the more intriguing line battles is at the center between Nate Herbig and Zach Frazier. Herbig failed to snap the ball securely on two occasions in the first preseason game against the Texans and has given up significant ground to Frazier. Added to the sheer volume of snaps Frazier logged at West Virginia University, many see him as the favorite to start Week 1 in Atlanta.
The rookie center isn’t the only new addition with substantial college experience. First-round tackle Troy Fautanu was a big-time prospect coming into the draft. Not only did he play a major role in establishing Washington University as a powerhouse, but he did so because of the freakish athleticism for his size. Scouts and analysts have also lauded Fautanu’s footwork and agility, and some considered him one of the best linemen in his draft class.
To add to the excitement, his expected role is at right tackle, which would push Broderick Jones to his natural position on the left side. Unfortunately, Fautanu suffered an MCL sprain last Friday against the Houston Texans. The injury is considered minor, but it will hold him back from getting the kind of preseason reps that are so important for rookies. Even if he is healthy by September 8, the likelihood that he is up to speed and ready to play is in question.
The domino effect leads to Jones remaining at right tackle for several weeks of the regular season, which means Dan Moore Jr. will stay at left tackle. This is the most recent, and hopefully, the last ripple of the Steelers’ procrastination in addressing the line. Moore is decidedly the least talented player on the offensive line.
Pro Football Focus ranked Moore as the 58th-best pass-blocking tackle in the NFL in 2023. Only 58 tackles qualified for the rankings. While his run-blocking is better he is surely not a player yinzers are excited to have on the field. But procrastination is biting the Steelers, as their delay in turning over the offensive line will allow him to keep his job for the foreseeable future.
The 25-year-old Moore has made his living at the most important position on the line, and worse, has shown an inability to play on the right side of the line. That means Jones has to stay at right tackle, which isn’t ideal for him either. Because the Steelers have made rash decisions at the line over the years, their new depth isn’t well-rounded.
Without Fautanu, the Steelers don’t have a true backup for right tackle. Because of that, their starting left tackle is, in essence, forced into a less valuable position. It’s infuriating. Especially considering the Steelers must get off to a good start if they expect to make it through the buzzsaw-like home stretch of their schedule that starts in Week 11 and will doubtlessly extend to the playoffs.
Instead, the injury to one man will delay the development of two. Jones is talented, but unpolished. He needed a lot of reps this preseason at left tackle as he prepared for his role at left tackle. He will no longer be able to do that. Instead, Jones remains at right tackle with the starters, and can only move over for the second-string reps. While Jones is talented enough to make the transition well, any lag time will hurt, and that could be the difference between the playoffs or looking forward to next year.
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