Steelers Rookie Credits His Preparation In Solid Debut

In Week 2, the Pittsburgh Steelers saw the regular season debut of 2024 first-round pick, Troy Fautanu. He took over the right tackle duties for Broderick Jones. While Jones did get an opportunity at some snaps, he was pulled quickly after three quick penalties and Fautanu stepped back in for the rest of the game. 

After the game, Fautanu talked to media about his first start in the NFL. While there were nerves before the game, he felt that his preparation throughout the week helped not commit the same mental mistakes from the preseason. He gave a shoutout to his position coach from the University of Washington teaching him that confidence comes with how he prepares.

"I'm gonna continue to do that so I'm not going out there [urinating] down my leg."

Fautanu played a clean game in his first start, something that he hopes to build on as the season continues. His only action in the preseason against the Houston Texans wasn't something he would like to remember. Not only did he struggle, but his offseason would come to an end with a MCL sprain. 

The Steelers were planning to rotate him and Jones, but after three penalties were committed by Jones in a six-snap stretch (one negating a 51-yard reception by George Pickens that would have set up the Steelers inside the 10-yard-line), the Steelers elected to stick with the rookie for the remainder of the game.

Fautanu was drafted this past April in hopes that he can transition into the right tackle position. He played his whole college career on the left side of the line, mostly at left tackle. 

He had a great career for the Huskies and was a 2023 Third Team All-American, while also winning the Morris Trophy for the Pac-12's top offensive lineman. He also helped Washington get to the College Football National Championship. While Fautanu is an athletic tackle, he has been honest that the transition to the right side has not been easy, but he is taking the challenge head on. 

The end goal for the Steelers' offensive line is trusting Fautanu on the right side and moving Jones to his natural position. Omar Khan was vocal about this plan back before the 2024 NFL Draft. The organization has the confidence that Fautanu would be able to adjust to his new position. While Jones' second season in the league has not had the best start, the Steelers are happy that the rookie is making the right steps in becoming the long-term answer on their line.

The Steelers will have their home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. Fautanu will now have to set his sights on Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Both very talented pass rushers and the Chargers will want to test the young talent in his second game.

The Steelers have a lot to work to do on the offensive side of the ball before they meet the Chargers, but a sliver lining is having their rookie building confidence in his ability at his new position. Fautanu will get a full week to prepare to be the starting right tackle unlike this past week, with him and Jones rotating consistently. Fautanu will want to continue to not only protect his quarterback, but play clean football, something the offense has struggled with so far this season.

Steelers Rookie Fautanu Secures The Starting Right Tackle Position

Even though the Steelers' offense has only posted one touchdown in the last two games, the staff knows that the offensive line will continue to get better -- allowing more opportunities to end drives with six points. With the grand scheme of the offensive line set in motion, time will tell when and if Jones will compete with Dan Moore Jr. for the starting left tackle position since Fautanu's performance against the Denver Broncos showed the staff he can succeed at that position. 

What are your thoughts on Fautanu's first start for the Steelers? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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