Controversial Steelers Coach Sparks Outrage Then Commands Respect: "Best Group"

The Pittsburgh Steelers walking into the Baltimore Ravens’ stadium and leaving with a win was much needed. It was needed for the team, but also for Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who had been feeling the heat from the fan base after what seemed like another midseason collapse. The Steelers’ 27-22 victory over Lamar Jackson and Baltimore not only boosted their record to 7-6 on the season, but also put them back in control of the AFC North, a crucial step as they aim for a playoff push.

One unit that has drawn major attention heading into the 2025 season is Pat Meyer’s offensive line. With a 42-year-old quarterback in Aaron Rodgers leading the team, protecting him has become pivotal down the stretch. The Steelers’ offensive line has been under the microscope all season, with fans and analysts alike questioning whether they could give Rodgers the time and space he needs to operate effectively.

According to former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex, while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday, the once-criticized coach Meyer now deserves recognition for what he has orchestrated with this group over the past month or so. Essex believes Meyer’s adjustments and leadership have transformed the line into a cohesive and reliable unit, giving the Steelers a legitimate chance to finish the season strong. What was once a major question mark for the team has now become a reason for optimism as Pittsburgh looks ahead.

"You see their growth throughout the year," Essex said via 93.7 The Fan's Morning Show. "Give Pat Meyer his flowers right now because they are growing into the most consistent unit on this team. They are on the rise and have been since the last three or four games. They were the best group on the field on Sunday."

Essex certainly knows what good offensive line play looks like, and he hasn’t been shy about criticizing Meyer in the past, or the players when they’ve struggled. However, Essex believes that what he has seen from Meyer’s unit over the last month or so has been impressive enough to warrant public praise. 

He says the adjustments, communication, and overall cohesion of the line have elevated their play to a level that demands recognition. After several seasons of scrutiny, Essex feels it’s only fair to give Meyer some flowers, noting that turning a once-questioned group into a reliable, effective unit is no small feat.

"Coming out of the third quarter... that first play, Aaron Rodgers was able to scramble and I timed it - 7.5 seconds he had to throw that ball to DK [Metcalf] across the middle," Essex said. "And that kind of set up the cushion that we needed in that third quarter because we didn't do anything in the fourth quarter."

Looking ahead, the Steelers’ offensive line could prove to be the difference-maker in their push toward the playoffs. 

Steelers May Actually Be Able To Protect Aaron Rodgers When It Matters Most

With Rodgers showing he can still lead at a high level, the protection provided by Meyer’s unit is critical not just for keeping the quarterback upright, but for sustaining drives and controlling the tempo of games. The cohesion and resilience the line has shown in recent weeks have also allowed other areas of the team to thrive, from the running game to the passing attack, giving Tomlin and his staff more flexibility in game planning.

This resurgence has energized a fan base that had grown anxious over the team’s midseason struggles. Wins like the one in Baltimore remind everyone why Steelers football is so fiercely followed, and they also validate the hard work of coaches and players who have fought through adversity. If Meyer’s offensive line can maintain this level of play, the Steelers have a real chance to not only finish strong but make noise in the postseason.

Do you agree with Trai Essex that it's time for Pat Meyer to get some credit? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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