The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line was bullied all afternoon by the New England Patriots in Week 2, and it's not about to get any better when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. After dealing with the likes of defensive tackles Christian Barmore, Cory Durden, and Milton Williams, the Steelers have the ultimate work cut out for them with Dexter Lawrence.
Unfortunately, Lawrence just so happens to get a remarkably favorable matchup, as the mammoth defensive tackle will often be lined up against the Steelers' right guard. And as bad as Pittsburgh's offense has been, this might be their weakest link of all.
In the first two weeks of the season, Spencer Anderson hasn't looked like an actual NFL player, as he's been beaten and battered often by opposing defensive tackles. In Week 2 against the Patriots, Anderson allowed four pressures while surrendering a strip-sack that was scooped up by New England and returned for a defensive touchdown.
Anderson could be on his way out this week, as Brock Hoffman ramps up action with the starting offensive line in practice. But even if the Steelers turn to Hoffman in Week 3 against the Bengals, that won't make this lopsided matchup much better.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must have a plan to contain Cincinnati Bengals DT Dexter Lawrence on Sunday
Lawrence has been nothing short of a nightmare for opposing offenses early in the 2026 season. This past Sunday against the Houston Texans, Lawrence totaled five pressures while earning three run stops.
With a 91.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, Lawrence is PFF's No. 1-rated defensive lineman in the NFL entering Week 3, and it's beyond concerning that the 350-pounder has racked up eight pressures in his first two games with the Bengals.
Because of Lawrence's dominance, Cincinnati was able to hold Houston to just 60 yards on the ground while sacking quarterback C.J. Stroud four times for minus 39 yards.
And if Lawrence caves in the Steelers' pocket in Week 3, this game will be over before it begins.
The Steelers must ensure this doesn't happen. Double-teaming Lawrence is a must, and we can expect to see Zach Frazier teaming up with the right guard (be it Anderson or Hoffman) early and often in the contest. But the Steelers must do more to ensure protection than this.
This might mean leaving a running back sidecar to Aaron Rodgers to help pass-protect, or motioning tight end Darnell Washington into the backfield to act as a sixth offensive lineman. They can't be too careful when it comes to ensuring Lawrence doesn't wreck the game.
Even without Lawrence, this would have been a tough enough matchup for the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Joey Porter Jr. has been reluctant to play amid his contract dispute, and the Steelers are sure to struggle defending wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, Lawrence adds a whole other element to this Bengals team that the Steelers must prepare for.
This feels like a recipe for disaster, and Mike McCarthy and offensive line coach James Campen should be coming up with creative ways to devote extra attention to Dexter Lawrence this week.
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