Steelers Coach Already On Significant Hot Seat After Troubling Preseason Performances

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the middle of a roster transformation since General Manager Omar Khan and his partner-in-crime Andy Weidl starting making the front office decisions in 2022. Weidl was known for focusing on the trenches while with the Philadelphia Eagles, and it's clear that he carried the same ideology to the Steel City. The organization spent a first-round pick on Broderick Jones in 2023, while utilizing first and second-rounders on Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier in 2024, respectively. This all should translate to a stout running game that opens up a lethal play-action attack.

Expectations are at an all-time high for the trio, with Jones being the only one to have started a regular season game at the professional level. He took over as the Steelers' starting right tackle during his rookie season in 2023 and was extremely effective when run blocking. Unfortunately, his pass blocking technique had several weaknesses and that has carried into 2024.

Jones was far from impressive in the team's second preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday evening. He allowed two sacks in the first quarter alone, and looked like he either belongs on the left side permanently, or on the bench. An injury to Fautanu has the final plans on hold, but overall, there is cause for concern. Fautanu didn't look too strong in the first game versus the Houston Texans. This has fans everywhere concerned.

Pat Meyer became a part of the coaching staff in 2022. The two before him that held the same position in Shaun Sarrett and Adrian Klemm weren't impressive either, leaving fans longing for the return of Mike Munchak. There is overall concern for the unit and while veterans like Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels can be trusted, developing the young guys is far more important. It could be a little too early to tell for Fautanu and Frazier, but Jones' play against the Bills was extremely concerning.

Pittsburgh doesn't make in-season coaching changes very often in terms of employment. Letting go of Matt Canada in 2023 was rather shocking despite his horrific play-calling. Meyer won't have much more time with the Steelers if his young linemen underperform in 2024. It's unlikely that he is fired in the middle of the year, but once the new year rolls around, he could absolutely be looking for a new home.

The newly-implemented offense under Arthur Smith is expected to feature a heavy dose of running the football. Having success doing that will allow for play-action passing to pick apart defenses, no matter who is receiving the snaps at quarterback. That's all in a perfect world and, given Jones' play on Saturday night, there has to be some worry throughout the fan base. Meyer has never been highly-regarded by Steeler Nation, and could soon be sitting in an extremely hot seat.

Steelers Have Missed Munchak Since He Moved Out West

Pittsburgh had, arguably, the best offensive line coach in the NFL when Munchak was on the staff. He wanted to be closer to his family, so he took the same position for the Denver Broncos. The Steelers' offensive line hasn't been the same since. The retirements of David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey and Ramon Foster certainly haven't helped, either. There should be plenty of pressure on Meyer to develop his young players with all the talent in the world. If he fails, he should be out the door.

Do you think that Meyer is on the hot seat entering the 2024 season? Let us know in the comments below!

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