When I first heard that Pro Football Focus had given Steelers rookie tackle Dan Moore, Jr. a pass-blocking grade of 0.0 all I could picture was noted academician Dean Vernon Wormer delivering the disturbing news.
Although I have no doubt that Mr. Blutarsky’s grade at Faber College was well-earned, tagging Moore with the 0.0 seemed a bit harsh.
At least to the naked eye, for the most part he held his own against Myles Garrett who like him or not (and if you’re from Pittsburgh you shouldn’t) is one of the best in the business.
Yet, while he might not appreciate the disrespect, it sounds like Moore understands where PFF is coming from. “It was mixed,” he said about his afternoon against Garrett. “He definitely got the better of me some plays and I thought I held my ground some plays. Thought I played physical in the run game but overall just trying to clean things up and fine-tune things in pass protection, that’s what this week was all about.”
What did Moore learn the most? “Got to get off the ball” he quickly answered. “Cadence was a factor in that game, being an away game. He picked up our cadence pretty quick so beating him off the ball was a huge challenge.”
But Moore and the Steelers were able to meet that challenge because they’re finally finding a run-pass mix that is bringing out the best in the offensive line. “100 percent, definitely,” Moore agreed. “I think as an offensive line we try to pride ourselves in the run game so that’s kind of how we get our juice and our flow in the game.”
Najee Harris didn’t put up eye-popping rushing numbers in Cleveland – 91 yards on 26 carries – but he has run for 294 yards over the last 3 games, all Pittsburgh wins. Throw in receiving yards and Harris has accounted for 389 yards from scrimmage over that span. Moore said Harris joining the linemen for video works is paying off.
“Just learning and looking at our keys, his aiming points, his steps,” Moore pointed out. “Him wanting to know what we’re doing, what our aiming points are, so he can know where combinations are going, possibly knowing where the holes are going to be before they open.”
Harris certainly isn’t afraid of extra work, although he disputed the notion that coaches have to kick him out the facility and make him go home at night. Moore and the linemen are obviously willing to put in the work, as well, and it’s starting to pay off.
“We’re getting better,” Moore said, “the continuity of the offensive line, we’re building that and it’s just getting better every day.”