Mike Tomlin sends blunt message to Steelers offensive line

The process of rebuilding the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has been a long and painful one. It started in earnest with tackle Broderick Jones in the 2023 NFL draft and continued this spring with Troy Fautanu (tackle), Zach Frazier (center) and Mason McCormick (guard).

Landing the Washington Huskie meant Jones could return to his natural spot on the line’s left side. But not so fast. Fautanu’s knee injury forced Jones to return to the right side, with Dan Moore Jr. playing on the left.

It took Jones time to adjust to playing on the right side last year, but he improved as the season went on. So far, he’s been charged with two of the seven total sacks on Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen.

Mike Tomlin stated the obvious after the game:

We didn’t do a good enough job of protecting the quarterback. We’ve gotta do a better job in pass protection than we did; not only on possession downs but just in general. I was really upfront with the group about it in that regard. That can’t be a problem for us.

Right now, the offensive line doesn’t look how the Steelers intended. We can only hope the unit gets its act together once Fautanu (who allowed a Fields sack in game one) is healthy and Jones can return to left tackle. Otherwise, it will be another long season for Pittsburgh’s offense.