Steelers Center Maurkice Pouncey Deserves Recognition
By Lori Paddock
The Steelers Maurkice Pouncey made a noticeable difference on the offensive line in 2014. His effort in the center position is worthy of some attention.
Bob Labriola of Steelers.com focused on the Centers today in his position-by-position look at the team. It was a short article because there is only Pouncey and Cody Wallace. Labriola summed up Pouncey’s play:
"Signing him to a contract extension last offseason was a shrewd move, because the Steelers secured a guy who is a difference-maker, both on the field at his position and in the locker room as a leader.”"
I have commented that the offensive line is not often called out when praise is due, but quickly blamed when the offensive struggles. It’s true.
If the plays aren’t successful, particularly the running plays, it’s because the protection broke down or there were no openings to let the running back get up the field.
I think it is praiseworthy that Le’Veon Bell always thanked the offensive line after he has a good day. That is recognizing the importance of the team and Pouncey anchors that line.
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Maurkice Pouncey understands the value of teamwork too. For him to emerge as a locker room leader as Labriola says, is more than I had hoped for. Let’s face it, he made some immature decisions off the field and some guys just never understand. Pouncey moved past that and now represents the Steelers well.
The other thing about Pouncey that should not be underestimated is his relationship with Roethlisberger. The trust between center and QB is essential. Over the last couple of years the amount of bad snaps and miscommunication has dwindled.
Big Ben and Pouncey have a great on-the-field chemistry now. It takes work on both parts for that to happen and it is one of the things that can be hard to predict when the partnership starts and one of them may be young.
Pouncey is Roethlisberger’s main protector while also taking care of getting the ball into play properly. He has to be focused in two directions – what’s coming in front and what Ben is adjusting on the play behind him.
Not all centers can do that, but Pouncey has evolved in playing his position. It makes such a big difference and I am happy to see Pouncey get recognition with the Pro Bowl slot this past year.
I hope he stays healthy and keeps getting better. I want to see he and Big Ben for a few more years and maybe a couple more rings!
(That’s not to much to hope for, right?)