Steelers 5 players who must improve this week vs. the Bengals

Steelers: 5 players who must improve

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during pregame warm ups prior to the start of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes the pocket against Matt Feiler #71 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Matt Feiler

The Steelers saw themselves trading long time starter Marcus Gilbert to Arizona this past off-season. That was mostly due to backups stepping in and performing well in his prolonged absences in 2017 (Chris Hubbard) and 2018 (Feiler).

Matt Feiler stepped up huge in 2018 and played in 11 games starting 10 for the injured Gilbert. He provided no drop off in play and helped keep the offensive line chugging along as a top unit in the league.

The 2019 season as not been kind to much of the offensive line but particularly Feiler. He has struggled to beat the man across from him in run blocking, and that has attributed to Conner’s struggles.

Feiler’s pass blocking has been inconsistent at times as well. He has allowed one sack in three games after allowing just three in all of 2018.

The Steelers offensive line has been together a long time outside of Feiler, and they are all struggling. Feiler is one of the least experienced, but he proved he could be the starter in 2018.

If the Steelers line is going to get things going, it will start with Feiler improving his play. The Steelers line playing well will help the offense turn things around in the remaining 13 games.