Maybe the Steelers offensive line won’t be a problem in 2021, after all.
According to Pro Football Focus, (yes, the organization that everyone in Pittsburgh thinks hates the Steelers), the black and gold are ranked 2nd this preseason, only behind the New England Patriots.
While the preseason isn’t the be all, end all for how the season will go, the Steelers are turning heads nationally.
That dominance is mostly thanks to left guard, Kevin Dotson.
The second year man has a PFF grade of 92.9 (first in the NFL) with 0 pressures allowed on 52 pass-block snaps.
Dotson is just as good when it comes to run blocking, with a 91.0 rating, good for fourth overall.
Backup right tackle Joe Haeg is ranked first with a 93.8 rating in the preseason so far, but you also have to take into account the opposition.
Dan Moore Jr. has also not allowed any pressures this preseason.
That is the only duo in the NFL to be in the top five.
They haven’t really played anyone of note. That change tonight when they take on the Carolina Panthers first stringers.
Another issue not taken into account is the Steelers have averaged less yards per carry this preseason than they did last regular season, when they were the worst in the NFL in yards per carry.
While there are still plenty of question marks surrounding the o-line going into the regular season with Chuks Okorafor, Trai Turner and a returning Zach Banner just some of those questions, it appears that the Steelers have at least one potential future Pro Bowl caliber player on the line in Dotson.