Over the course of the 2022 and 2023 offseasons, the front office of the Pittsburgh Steelers has made it a point of emphasis to improve the amount of talent on the offensive line. In 2022, it was the free agent additions of James Daniels and Mason Cole, who both started all 17 games for the team. In 2023, it has been adding Isaac Seumalo and Nick Herbig to the mix, in addition to spending a first-round pick on Kenny Pickett's hopeful long-term blindside protector, Broderick Jones.
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Steelers First-Round Pick, Broderick Jones Is Expected To Be The Team's Long-Term Answer At Left Tackle
The collective level of play for the Steelers' offensive line got off to a bit of a shaky start in 2022. There were concerns across the board with each starting member of the unit, perhaps most notably Dan Moore Jr., who was the team's starting left tackle. Fortunately, as the season went on, the group hit their stride in creating sizable holes in the run game for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as well as keeping a clean pocket for Pickett.
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Kevin Dotson And Dan Moore Will Likely Enter The 2023 Season As Backups After Being Starters In 2022
Heading into the 2023 season, there is a growing sense of optimism that the offensive line can carry the momentum from 2022 and firmly establish themselves as one of the most dominant units in the entire league. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, during a chat transcript posted on 05/24/2023, echoed this sentiment in detail and explained how the group may be able to "gel" more quickly in 2023.
"Well, it took some time last year, well into the season but that was because there were a lot of new faces in new places. They had a new center, a new right guard and a new left guard. Now they have a new left guard in Isaac Seumalo, but he's a veteran and should pick things up quick. You also have the Broderick Jones likely playing big snaps, but if he's good enough he'll be good enough. In short, it won't be quite as long as last year. At least I don't think it will be," answered Fittipaldo.
The Steelers' Investment In Offensive Line Talent Will Pay Dividends In 2023
It is often said that the best thing a team could ever do for a young quarterback is to surround him with a solid offensive line. Needless to say, Omar Khan and Andy Weidl believe in this philosophy as much as anyone.
Not only do the Steelers have a legitimate top-ten caliber starting unit, but they also have an immense amount of talent with their backup players such as Herbig, Moore, and Kevin Dotson. Moore, who has reportedly taken first-team snaps at left tackle during OTAs, may also still have a chance to compete with Jones for the starting spot.
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Steelers OL, Nick Herbig Figures To Be The Team's Primary Backup Guard In 2023
With Pickett having a full offseason as the unquestioned starter at quarterback combined with the ascension of skill position players such as George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Calvin Austin III, the Steelers are well positioned to make some serious noise in 2023. With that being said, the unit will only be successful if the offensive line maintains a high level of play.
If the "Pickett Fence" hits the ground running, don't be surprised if the Steelers get off to a fast start in 2023 and become one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.
How confident are you that the offensive line can get off to a fast start in 2023? Do you believe Moore is a serious threat to challenge Jones for the starting left tackle position? What are your expectations for the offense as a whole? Leave a comment!
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