The Pittsburgh Steelers improve to 6-2 after their 26-18 win Monday night against the New York Giants. The offense only continued to improve and go down the field under Russell Wilson. The Steelers' quarterback threw for 278 yards, a touchdown and only had one incompletion in the second half. Wilson was able to get the ball down the field thanks to protection from the offensive line, who had some key players step up to the challenge of Giants' defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Ryan McCollum goes out to block against the New York Giants in Week 8.
There were questions all week about if new guys like Mason McCormick and Ryan McCollum would be up for the matchup against Lawrence, who leads the NFL with nine sacks. Not only did they limit Lawrence from becoming a game wrecker, but the rushing game continued to be a threat as well.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave praise to his emerging offensive linemen earlier this week, but he continued to applaud McCollum during his Week 8 postgame press conference Monday night.
"Can’t say enough about guys like Ryan McCollum, who are getting an opportunity to step up and put their hand in the pile and carve out space for themselves in this thing," Tomlin said.
McCollum was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans back in May 2021. His NFL career never really took off and after going to the Detroit Lions then to Pittsburgh, he spent two seasons on the Steelers' practice squad. He was never truly given a chance until the Steelers called him up. McCollum got his first start in Pittsburgh against the New York Jets in Week 7 and has only proven himself since then.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Tomlin also said Monday night that there are a lot of deserving guys who are worthy of opportunities like these.
"There’s always other deserving men on the other end of that conversation who are getting an opportunity and Ryan McCollum is one of those guys and a major component of why we were successful in terms of running the football," Tomlin said.
McCollum has been a large contributor to the Steelers' rushing game, especially the past few weeks. Against the Giants, the Steelers rushed for 167 yards total. Najee Harris led the backfield with 19 carries for 114 yards and Jaylen Warren contributed with 46 yards on nine carries. Holes opened up on the offensive line and they double teamed Lawrence to limit his chances of making a good defensive play. The Steelers will get a well deserved break during their Week 9 bye week before heading to face the Washington Commanders in Week 10.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones (#77) sets up at the line of scrimmage and prepares to block during a 2023 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers' Offensive Line May Suffer Soon Because of Broderick Jones
Broderick Jones has arguably had a rough few weeks, especially Monday night against the Giants. The Steelers' offense had a great first drive, almost capped off with a George Pickens touchdown until Jones was called for a facemask penalty. Chris Boswell ended the drive with a 31 yard field goal.
A Broderick Jones face mask negates a Steelers TD for George Pickens.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 29, 2024
Good or bad call? 🤔pic.twitter.com/JKz6l25jHk
Everyone on the offensive line has seemed to improve their game except for Jones. Being a first round pick, there's a lot of expectations and after a solid rookie year, he hasn't shown much in year two. Dan Moore Jr. had a rough season last year, but he has stepped it up this season. The rushing and passing game are continuing to do well under Wilson, but there have been some costly plays called back or given up because of Jones.
Will the offensive line continue to improve, or will Jones hold them back? Let us know in the comments below!
#Steelernation
