What an off-season this has been so far for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's been quite historic actually. We've officially entered the post-Ben Roethlisberger / Kevin Colbert era, along with having the most aggressive free agency in franchise history. There's a new defensive coordinator in Teryl Austin, the arrival of Brian Flores, and a quarterback drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round since 2004 in Kenny Pickett. With all that however, Steeler Nation might be most excited to see an improved offensive line heading into the new season.
One of the improvements upfront is former Chicago Bears' offensive guard, James Daniels. Daniels appeared on Steeler Nation Radio this week and confirmed that he will indeed be playing right guard for the Steelers. He and Mason Cole, who was also acquired this off-season by the Steelers, will be the presumed starters at right guard and center, respectively.
Pittsburgh Steelers center, Mason Cole (left), and guard James Daniels (right), participate in phase two of the voluntary off-season workout program, Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Daniels talks new Steelers' o-line approach
On Wednesday, Daniels was interviewed in the locker room and was asked specifically about new offensive line coach, Pat Meyer's blocking scheme, and got into great detail. Watch:
If you’re an O-line buff, you might enjoy new Steelers right guard James Daniels breaking down how the unit is being instructed by new coach Pat Meyer pic.twitter.com/bSHaE4o7lT
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) May 25, 2022
"The way Coach Meyer's teaches it, he teaches us the inside guy is the -- set aggressively. So, set like on the ball in stuff, instead of backing up. So, if you set aggressively on the ball, that gives the QB a lot more time to step up in the pocket. It can really help make things clearer for the QB, because sometimes quarterbacks, when there's pressure in their face, they drift away or drop back too far. That can mess up the timing of the routes or receivers. So, setting aggressively will help more with helping our quarterbacks step up in the pocket."
This is great insight as to how Pittsburgh can better protect this young quarterback group. Whether it's Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, or Mason Rudolph, no quarterback is over 27 years old for the Steelers. When asked about how these QB's are more "mobile" now, Daniels explained that the offensive line just needs to make sure they're better communicators this upcoming season:
"The offensive linemen do need better communication. Because when there's moving parts, there's people in motion, or there's shifts, the offensive line needs to be on the same page because the box is changing, safeties are coming in, linebackers going in, coming out, coming out. So, we just really need to be on the same page communication wise to be able to find out like where we're ID'ing, who's the MIKE point and so we all don't go to the same person."
It'll be exciting to see this group bring it all together, led by Daniels himself.
Thoughts on the new blocking scheme? Click to comment below!
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