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Steelers Offensive Line To Be More Aggressive in 2021

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It is to the surprise of no one that all eyes are on the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line as the 2021 NFL season inches closer. The Steelers offensive line had a very poor performance in 2020, especially in the 2nd half of the season and playoffs. That is set to change in 2021.

All Steelers fans are aware of the personnel changes that have been made this offseason in regards to the offensive line and coaching staff. The Steelers have moved on from veteran starters Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler, as well as feeling the impact of Maurkice Pouncey announcing his retirement.






Even with all of these changes in terms of players, potentially the biggest change is the decision to not retain former offensive line coach, Shaun Sarrett, and promote former assistant offensive line coach, Adrian Klemm.

Multiple players have already given their praise to Klemm in OTAs, mainly for his intensity and philosophy changes that he is trying to bring. Presumed starter at right tackle, Zach Banner, mentioned how Klemm is coaching the Steelers offensive line to have the “necessary violence” which they didn’t possess last year.

In addition to Banner’s comments, second year player and presumed starter at left guard, Kevin Dotson added to the notion of more physicality. He mentioned that the verbiage Klemm uses is even more aggressive, including the comment that they are having more of a “run through his face” mentality, which is something that should get Steelers fans fired up.






The Steelers offensive line is likely going to have a lot of new faces next season with presumed starters going left to right being Chukwuma Okorafor, Dotson, Kendrick Green, David DeCastro, Banner. That is an offensive line that will feature two brand new starters, and a third at a different position from last season. Even with all of that, there is good reason to believe the offensive line will be improved this season and getting back to the “Steelers Brand” of football.



Let us know below what you think of the Steelers changes to the offensive line and personnel this offseason!

#SteelerNation

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Steeler Nation said:
In addition to Banner’s comments, second year player and presumed starter at left guard, Kevin Dotson added to the notion of more physicality. He mentioned that the verbiage Klemm uses is even more aggressive, including the comment that they are having more of a “run through his face” mentality, which is something that should get Steelers fans fired up.
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About time. And I just don't see anyone running through this guy's face:

iu
 
Sounds great. Can he coach technique and fix problems as they happen. Mentality is great, but I'm pretty sure Skarrett wasn't like lets be passive aggressive.
 
I like it I see heavy run that will open up PA, as Green Dotson full-time, Green a younger C quicker than Pouncey and should be as Fiesty. Banner will be fine, I see him playing like Gilbert powerful run blocker good enough to hold up in pass protection. And with all the ramblings that Leno is off the market and Okung doesn't want to play for us, Chukes wasa decent RT, he was a pure LT in college a bit raw coming out, having Pat to help inline blocking should be a boast.
Some people because he was even in my book, not one of the LT I had in mind Dan Moore as our long term LT, started 3 full years so if asked to step in, he shouldn't have a learning curve as if we have a very raw LT say a former draft pick like Nkentki a decade a ago as an OT being counted to take over back then for a possible departing FA i.e if Smith left. Thst kid was so hyped up by Grimm but was baby Sushi that raw
 
I like the stronger "VERBALITY" part

OL Coach: Get in the t ******* face and smash the ****-sucker into the ground......................................

Player: ******* AAAAAAAAA, can I put my hand down for my starting stance





Salute the nation
 
Aside from all the pass looks last year from the OL with 2 point stances allegedly moving to more 3 point stances this year, having that well paid FB on the field every now and then or a TE that can block (Muth) should also add some edge to the run game. I just fear the pistol as our primary set will equate to more of the same with the draw as our primary run play. It just seems we lack clear direction of how to get a run game going.

Did we scrap direct snaps because we don’t even want to try traditional PA power sets because of Ben’s deep ball accuracy waning in his later years and lack of mobility?

so many questions...really hope we can get a cohesive plan together that gives us a more balanced attack.

But hell yeah, it’s nice to at least give some lip service to smashing some faces in-hopefully we see it on the field.
 
The change in demeanor is fine, I guess. We still need to see why things look like in terms of technique and scheme. Will they actually practice run blocking and commit to being more physical on offense or get fascinated with the passing game like they always do? I’m still concerned with the overall lack of talent anticipated for the starting lineup.
 
SteelerFan448 said:
The change in demeanor is fine, I guess. We still need to see why things look like in terms of technique and scheme. Will they actually practice run blocking and commit to being more physical on offense or get fascinated with the passing game like they always do? I’m still concerned with the overall lack of talent anticipated for the starting lineup.
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I think they have decent talent for the most part. I am high on the draft selections. Just not sure they have a right now LT solution and even less sure how they are making up for two cornerbacks exits.
 
slashsteel said:
I think they have decent talent for the most part. I am high on the draft selections. Just not sure they have a right now LT solution and even less sure how they are making up for two cornerbacks exits.
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Until proven otherwise I view the talent as below average.

LT - Okorafor was the worst lineman on a bad offensive line. The team hopes he is a better player at a more important position.
LG - Dotson showed a lot of promise as a rookie and probably should've been the starter. He has the ability to be pretty good.
C - Finney or Green. If Finney starts, the front offense failed to address their biggest need this offseason. All of the reports indicate Green can be a quality center, he has to prove it though.
RG - DeCastro had a down year. Was it injury like many think or is he fading?
RT - Banner is unproven. He has potential to be a good run blocker, but looked poor in pass protection.

With the potential of Okorafor, Finney, and Banner starting next year, it's concerning.
 
SteelerFan448 said:
Until proven otherwise I view the talent as below average.

LT - Okorafor was the worst lineman on a bad offensive line. The team hopes he is a better player at a more important position.

OAKAFOR WILL NOT BE THE STARTER AND IF HE IS THEN THEY FAILED AT DRAFTING MOORE. IF TOMLIN GOES WITH THE "VET" INSTEAD OF THE TALENT THEN IT'S A FAIL ON TOMLIN


LG - Dotson showed a lot of promise as a rookie and probably should've been the starter. He has the ability to be pretty good.

DOTSON IS AN "UPGRADE" AT HIS POSITION, HARD TO ARGUE WITH THAT.


C - Finney or Green. If Finney starts, the front offense failed to address their biggest need this offseason. All of the reports indicate Green can be a quality center, he has to prove it though.

IF GREEN DOESN'T START THEN IT'S ANOTHER DRAFT FAILURE. I THINK GREEN STARTS FROM GET GO AND I THINK IT'S AN UPGRADE OVER POUNCY'S PLAY OF LAST YEAR.


RG - DeCastro had a down year. Was it injury like many think or is he fading?

DECASTRO HAS ANOTHER YEAR IN THE TANK, HE SHOULD BE FULLY HEALTHY AND MENTALLY GOOD TO GO.


RT - Banner is unproven. He has potential to be a good run blocker, but looked poor in pass protection.

BANNER IS SOMEWHAT OF A WILD CARD. HIS INJURY IS THE QUESTION MARK MOSTLY. HIS PLAY WILL BE ADEQUATE. A WASH SO TO SPEAK.




With the potential of Okorafor, Finney, and Banner starting next year, it's concerning.
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Potential is a wide range word for it's potentialy possible my scenerio plays out just as well. I hear you in the concerned department but I also look at the oportunity to get better in terms of draft and retirement. TC and season will help us figure it out.





Salute the nation
 
Drink IRON City said:
Potential is a wide range word for it's potentialy possible my scenerio plays out just as well. I hear you in the concerned department but I also look at the oportunity to get better in terms of draft and retirement. TC and season will help us figure it out.
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You need exceptional coaching to overcome a talent deficit, so that's what the Steelers are going to need to get this offensive line where it needs to be if they want to be a serious contender this year. You have a first-time NFL OC and first-time NFL OL coach in charge of achieving this. Not saying they can't, they just have a lot to prove.
 
SteelerFan448 said:
Until proven otherwise I view the talent as below average.

LT - Okorafor was the worst lineman on a bad offensive line. The team hopes he is a better player at a more important position.
LG - Dotson showed a lot of promise as a rookie and probably should've been the starter. He has the ability to be pretty good.
C - Finney or Green. If Finney starts, the front offense failed to address their biggest need this offseason. All of the reports indicate Green can be a quality center, he has to prove it though.
RG - DeCastro had a down year. Was it injury like many think or is he fading?
RT - Banner is unproven. He has potential to be a good run blocker, but looked poor in pass protection.

With the potential of Okorafor, Finney, and Banner starting next year, it's concerning.
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A lot of question marks sure. Like any new unit they will need to prove themselves. For me those questions are just that. I don't equate that to lesser talent especially knowing the knowns. Chukes has to feel more comfy on the left dating back to college. I take that as a wait and see. DeCastro had a lot going on injuries, a Covid year to forget. Hard to tell what goes on behind closed doors. Could be a matter of refocusing. We'll see. He has the talent to think he can rebound. Banner has more pass blocking and staying healthy questions than run blocking. Big dot looked promising. Two talented rookies should and I am being optimistic here pump up that talent level. I would think with their on film aggressive nature and measurables it isn't a stretch to think they can contribute early. Even if I am right it will take time for a new unit to get acclimated
So I expect growing pains. If you are right then Ben might be on the out quicker than some expect. With the potential of Green, an even more conditioned Banner, there is still a concern sure there is also a light at the end of the tunnel. I can see what the team is thinking, I see the cup as half full.
 
I also ask myself some questions. That I may even answer.😬 Can Chukes be a better version of last year's LT. I think Al and Pounce were declining fast. So my answer is yes. Can Banner be a better version of himself. Talent wise sure, coming off injury .. my bigger question I don't know. Can Big Dot upgrade the position,sure. Can Green and Finney be a better version of Pouncey last year. I wouldn't bet against that. So I see probable cause to think this unit is better than last years. Perhaps a middle of the road unit is still better than last seasons train wreck. I would be more comfy with vet experience at LT being brought in. Perhaps that will still come to pass.
 
With Moses Morgan the only quality or upgrade out there any one think the 6 year starter could flip to the blindside?
 
F83 said:
With Moses Morgan the only quality or upgrade out there any one think the 6 year starter could flip to the blindside?
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You would have to dig to see his history on the left. In general you really don't want a career RT trying to make that switch. Just not ideal. I might be prone more to taking that chance with a younger QB.
 
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