3 predictions for Steelers new-look offensive line in 2021
By Tommy Jaggi
The Steelers have an offensive line that looks completely different in 2021. Here are three bold predictions about this new group in 2021.
Even with an aging offensive line, I never thought we would be looking at 4 new starters for this group in 2021. However, after David DeCastro was released due to medical reasons, this will be the case for the upcoming season. New Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach, Adrian Klemm, clearly has his work cut out for him this year, as he attempts to coach a bunch of young players who have yet to play together.
While Pittsburgh will certainly have their growing pains, some positions may have actually improved prior to the new season. Here are three predictions about the Steelers new-look offensive line in 2021:
Steelers offensive line will improve in run blocking
Overall as a unit, the Steelers just weren’t very good in 2021. While they were average at best in terms of their pass protection, their run blocking was labeled as the worst in the league by several media outlets and NFL analysts. It’s not hard to see why.
The aging group of Steelers offensive linemen got virtually no push on the ground. DeCastro was banged up all season, while Alejandro Villanueva and Maurkice Pouncey clearly started to digress. In addition, Randy Fichtner’s predictable and bland offense didn’t make their jobs any easier, as everything Pittsburgh was about to do was almost telegraphed.
With a new offensive coordinator, a new offensive line coach, and a group of younger, healthier players, I’m willing to bet that this team takes a big step forward in 2021 when it comes to their run blocking.