The Steelers have won a lot of games in the trenches. Daniel Jeremiah recently ranked Pittsburgh as the 2nd best offensive and defensive line combination in the NFL.
The Steelers have had some dominant lineman on both sides of the ball for as long as I can remember. Prior to drafting All-Pro, Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh boasted a defensive line that consisted of Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, and Brett Keisel.
Offensively, the Steelers have had a few Pro Bowlers and even an All-Pro player walk through the door. Alan Faneca was widely regarded as one of the best interior offensive lineman in the NFL during the early 2000’s. He made the Pro Bowl 9 consecutive years and was a First Team All-Pro player 6 out of 7 years from 2001 to 2007.
However, the Steelers dominance in the trenches didn’t end with last generations’ talent. Pittsburgh has done a fantastic job replenishing their offensive and defensive lines, and NFL Network analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, took notice.
He recently comprised a list of the top five offensive line and defensive line combinations in the league. He ranked the Steelers as the 2nd best unit in football:
Which NFL Team has the best combination of OL/DL talent?
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) July 10, 2019
My top 5
1) Eagles
2) Steelers
3) Rams
4) Chiefs
5) Cowboys
Jeremiah doesn’t give reasoning to go with his selections, but it is interesting to note that the Steelers landed in 2nd place. They can make a strong case for being there.
In three consecutive years from 2010 to 2012, Pittsburgh struck gold on Maurkice Pouncey, Cameron Heyward, and David DeCastro in the NFL Draft.
These three players each went on to become multiple-time Pro Bowlers and receive All-Pro honors in black and yellow.
Apart from their stars, Pittsburgh is loaded with depth in the trenches with players like Alejandro Villanueva, Stephon Tuitt, Ramon Foster, and Javon Hargrave. Each of whom plays a pivotal role in the success of their units.
There are those out there who live and die by the theory that the trenches are where games are won and lost. It’s assuring to know that the Steelers boast one of the best offensive and defensive line combinations in the league.