PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – San Francisco defense end Nick Bosa will be a challenge, TJ Watt said as much having a similar offseason two years ago before impacting the Steelers season opener. It will be the improved Dan Moore’s first opponent after he earned a third year of being the Steelers starting left tackle.
What an opener.
Moore said Bosa is a speed-to-power guy who is really efficient with his hands and good at lifting guys. He will have to make sure he doesn’t allow him to get into his chest and move him around. Moore said Bosa moves like a Myles Garrett. In four matchups against the Browns All-Pro, Moore has allowed a pair of sacks.
“We had no doubts that he was going to be back,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada. “We prepared for that. That doesn't mean that you're magically going to be able to contain him.
He's a tremendous talent.”
It won’t just be Moore’s responsibility, the Niners will move Bosa around and he will loop and stunt and not just attack from the left side. Canada said they have a plan to account for him and he has their attention.
Given what coaches and players are saying about the 6’5”, 315-pound Moore, the play from him will be different than the tape he’s shown in his first two NFL seasons. Moore was thrust into the starting lineup after tackle Zach Banner couldn’t recover from a knee injury in camp in 2021. He’s started every game he’s been eligible for.
“I thought he played really well,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “I thought he showed the growth and maturation that that comes with the 1,000 or so snaps that he's played over the last two years. And so, really comfortable there.”
“Worked every day, not really focusing on things I can’t control,” Moore said of getting better. “Focusing on me and my development and doing what I can.”
“Dan has done a great job,” Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer told 93.7 The Fan. “Playing well in camp, playing well in the preseason game, he’s put on mass and trained well. His feet are grounded and he is striking better and it’s helped him with some of the issues he’s had in the past. In terms of anchoring guys down and setting bulls down and doing that. He’s showed he can do that now. A tribute to him and his work ethic.”
What Meyer also told The Fan is how despite being in a position battle and dealing with his team trading up and drafting his position, Dan Moore has only worked harder. Since the first voluntary workouts and continuing into game-week practices, Moore will stay after practice to help Broderick Jones with techniques and advise. Meyer said he’s trying to teach him football at this level.
He’s groomed Jones and getting his mindset and process right. Plus, how to take care of your body and study film. How to practice the right way. How to prepare for a game. He’s mentored him.
Moore said he’s improved his own day-to-day focus, he’s learned how to treat each day like a professional. He says he’s developed into a leader and that’s helped his own game as he helps his likely successor.
“That’s what good lines and great lines do, they help each other,” Meyer told 93.7 The Fan. “Regardless if this guy is competing to take my job or not. If someone is better than someone else, through injury, we help each other. Selfish lines don’t do that. Selfish lines help themselves and keep their jobs and they usually don’t become good lines.”
“Good lines help each other, they do everything together, they are tight knit. It’s a brotherhood. That’s what we were trying to become. We’re trying to become a great line.”
“I’ve been saying this about Dan for a year now, just a true professional,” said Steelers center Mason Cole. “Just the way he handles himself on a daily basis. Always knows where he’s going to be on the field. Always challenging himself to critique technique, takes care of his body. All the way through a true professional, hats off to him for that.”
Moore said it’s not time for him to pat himself on the back for keeping his job and fending off the 14th overall pick. It’s time for him to prepare for who is lining up across from him. That is his focus, that’s when the real work begins.
It’s been a year of facing challenges for Moore, maybe none as challenging as Bosa on Sunday.