Steeler Center Maurkice Pouncey is ranked number 83 out of 100 in the NFL Network’s latest ranking. The list is only from 80 to 100 so far, in counting back from 100.
Pouncey is the only center on the list so far and Steeler Nation has not doubt of his worth to the team. Having a healthy Pouncey made a huge difference in 2014.
Sometimes it can be hard to rank centers among other linesmen but with Pouncey, one of the features that really makes him stand out is how he matured off the field as well.
I’ve been pretty vocal this year that I thought Maurkice Pouncey had done well to stay away from situations that would cast him in a bad light.
He’s become a leader in the locker room too. According to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com:
"Pouncey is not just one of the best centers in the game, he is one of the best offensive linemen playing today and is a leader both on and off the field.”"
You can throw that line around, but I think in Pouncey’s case they aren’t empty words. The Steelers know his worth. Last year he signed a five-year $44M extension, according to ESPN.com, which made him the highest paid center in the NFL at the time.
His ability to snap the ball accurately and protect Big Ben is a key factor in the offensive success. He has also been a big factor to getting the running game back on track.
According to the NFL Network, Pouncey is a great teammate, but you hate being on the other side:
What OL made the #NFLTop100 list first?
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 14, 2015
"He's a fun player to play with... NOT against."http://t.co/Z9E93bsSRB pic.twitter.com/Q2JDo6jNcJ
I love that the offensive line is getting some love and Pouncey has earned it. I think he’s worth the extension too. Last year was his first full season in a while and I hope that was a trend.
The injury rate on the offensive line can really stack up, but last year the team saw fewer o-line injuries than in the previous few years.
Perhaps part of last year’s success for the entire o-line and low injury rate can be attributed to Mike Munchak. Hopefully that will continue, but that just can’t be predicted.
Either way, Maurkice Pouncey deserves the accolade. I can’t wait to see him on the field again.
Is it time for the season to start yet?
Next: Big Question to Each Steelers Rookie
More from Still Curtain
- Steelers news: Rashard Mendenhall calls out Big Ben, Brian Flores interviews for HC job, and more
- Steelers play it safe in recent 2023 NFL mock draft
- Kenny Pickett gets his guy in latest Steelers mock draft with trades
- Steelers face potentially dark reality if Matt Canada doesn’t pan out
- Senior Bowl sleepers the Steelers must have on their radar