After a slow start by the offensive line on Sunday, the Steelers who are on the field to protect Ben Roethlisberger did just enough to be the better O-line in Orchard Park and give the Steelers an upset win in Buffalo.
But the thing is, the Steelers O-line wasn't facing the Steelers defense.
Roethlisberger took multiple hits and they were unable to establish a run game, with rookie Najee Harris picking up 45 yards on 19 carries.
But even though the offense on Sunday appeared to be similar to the 2020 version, with quick passes and short runs, coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic the offensive line, that only features one returning starter, will get better as the season progresses.
Speaking during his weekly press conference on Tuesday Tomlin said, "I love the spirit in which they worked. I love the demeanor in which they worked. I love the physicality in which they worked." But Tomlin added that their play has to get better.
While it's encouraging that Tomlin notices the will to work and get better, it still has to happen on a tangible level.
If you think about it, it's nothing short of a miracle that the offensive line was able to protect Roethlisberger as much as they did, two of their starters are rookies, left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and center Kendrick Green. Returning tackle Chuks Okorafor was rated lowest on offense by Pro Football Focus in the preseason. Trai Turner was picked up by the Chargers after being released and second year man Kevin Dotson is getting his first true looks as a starter.
And yet, Tomlin is happy that the front five were able to adjust to the loud Bills Mafia crowd and avoid starting a series 1st and 15, by avoiding pre-snap penalties
Green has the difficult task of trying to replace All Pro Maurkice Pouncey, but Tomlin is encouraged.
"We like where he is. ... I thought he brought the intangible things."
While there are still many questions surrounding the O-line, if they can gel, they'll give this potent offense the ability to score some points.
