The Pittsburgh Steelers spent most of the offseason with a primary goal in mind. Improve the offensive line play. The Steelers brought in Isaac Seumalo to stabilize the interior of the line at left guard. Omar Khan selected Broderick Jones as his first-ever draft pick. The Steelers also brought in quality depth pieces like Nate Herbig to compete for roster spots.
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Steelers center Mason Cole at 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The one spot the Steelers did very little to address in free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft was center. Mason Cole is the incumbent and Pittsburgh hasn't done much to change it. Ryan McCollum and Kendrick Green are the other players with center experience in the NFL on the roster. James Daniels is capable of playing center, but that is more of an emergency option at this point.
Rudolph in and hits Bradley across the middle for a huge chunk. Then Butler for a huge chunk. The crowd is loving it. Rain getting stronger and stronger! #HereWeGo
— B-Wall (@BWall) July 29, 2023
Day three of training camp has been marked by rain according to SteelerNation's Managing Editor Brandon Wallace. The Steelers' first exposure to weather in 2023 has coincided with some difficulty snapping the football. Cole is a veteran NFL center who has played in all types of conditions. So it is a little surprising that according to reports from camp by Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Cole is not having a great day.
First team offense on 3rd downs:
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) July 29, 2023
3 low snaps from Cole lead to bobbles for Pickett. Pickett concerns 1/4 w/a crosser to Johnson. Washington dropped a pass, coverage sack, & Norwood almost had an INT. #Steelers DL getting more push today, granted pads don’t go on til Tuesday.
It is hard to assess offensive line play in shorts and helmets, but the center is a position that stands out in this environment. Cole would not be drawing praise if every snap was perfect because in this environment, they should be good. It is noticeable when a bad snap occurs and it could be a temporary case of the yips, brought on by a combination of the weather and one bad snap, but it was noticeable.
Mason Cole having a tough time snapping today. Multiple snaps low to start.#HereWeGo
— Steeler Sperry (@sperry_yinz) July 29, 2023
The center position is sacred in Pittsburgh. This is the third season since Maurkice Pouncey retired and the second season Cole has been designated as his replacement. The former Minnesota Vikings center did an admirable job last season and was arguably the most consistent Steelers lineman. Cole is not a future All-Pro, but he is a solid professional.
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Steelers Chuck Noll Field at Saint Vincent's College in Latrobe, PA
Saturday drew the biggest crowds yet to Chuck Noll Field at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA despite the weather. Cole likely just had a bad day, it happens. However, it bears watching when the pads go on next week. If he is struggling without being hit, it will be interesting to see what happens when Keeanu Benton, Breiden Fehoko, and Montravius Adams are lined up over him.
Steelers Center Mason Cole Set To Become The Leader Of The Offensive Line
Earlier this month on The Ramon Foster Show, the former Steelers offensive lineman predicted that Cole would become the leader of the offensive line in 2023. At this point, the Steelers don't have a viable backup plan if this is more than just a training camp blip. There is no reason for concern after one practice. Especially when Cole can channel his inner Milli Vanilli and Blame It On The Rain for his performance on Saturday.
Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' Mason Cole
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is there any concern at the center position or did Cole just have a bad day? Let me here your thoughts. Please comment below or on my TwitterX: @thebubbasq.
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