Mason Cole, center on the Pittsburgh Steelers, is becoming just that reliable player the team has needed. He was injured during the second quarter of the Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and did not play after halftime. Here are three major reasons that the loss of Cole contributed to the loss of the game...
1. Cole is Tough
He has already been playing most of this season with a foot injury. Cole is so tough that he rarely shows that he is in pain and fights to keep it from impacting his gameplay. When asked about the injury he says, “It feels fine” and reports that he is ready to play. The walking boot he has been seen in from time to time says otherwise. Despite the pain, Cole has helped the offensive line improve significantly from last year.
2. Cole is Reliable
“He’s been steady Eddie,” Head Coach Mike Tomlin said, “not only in performance, but in presence, in communication. He’s a quality veteran football player.” Cole came to the Steelers from the Minnesota Vikings during the off-season. He has helped to bring that steady consistency that has been missing since long-time center, Maurkice Pouncey retired at the end of 2020-21. Despite the nagging injury, he has been there every snap. Prior to leaving at halftime last week, Cole had only missed 5 snaps all season.
Having Cole has steadily improved the Steelers offensive line. He is a solid and consistent blocker who has drawn no penalties. It shows that he is building chemistry with quarterback, Kenny Pickett. During Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, he was rated by PFF as the 4th highest Steeler player at 78.5. Thru Week 11, he has allowed only 2 sacks which ranks him 6th among centers with a 66.5.
3. Cole is a Leader
Cole is the most veteran starter on this young offense at only 26 years old. While he is new to the team, it does not feel that way. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, and signing a 3-year $15.75 million contract, he has taken an unofficial leadership role. Initially, there were questions about what position he would play as he had been both a right guard and a center. Immediately, he said he was willing to play wherever he could be the most help to the team. From day one of training camp, that position has been the center, taking the place of Kendrick Green and becoming the glue of this offensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers center, Mason Cole (left), and guard James Daniels (right), participate in phase two of the voluntary off-season workout program, Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
The loss of Cole was immediately felt. After re-aggravating the injury and leaving the offensive line collapsed, J.C. Hassenauer was brought in and the run game, which had just begun to show signs of life, almost completely dissolved. After the game, left guard, Kevin Dotson, reportedly said there was no drop-off in production between Hassenauer and Cole being on the field.
From an outside perspective however, it is hard to imagine that isn't just an effort to maintain confidence in the line. It appeared that the flow of exchange between the center and quarterback seemed to be choppy and it appeared there were issues adjusting the blocking schemes. All in all, it created an offense that looked markedly different than the offense did during the first half.
While Cole is only currently rated as the 16th-best center in the NFL, that is light years better than Green last year at 3rd worst, and even Pouncey his final season, 5th worst. Center is one of those positions that continues to improve over time as they find their rhythm. Tomlin said during his weekly press conference that he is optimistic that Cole will be ready to go after the extra day and a half off. Steeler Nation will be keeping their fingers crossed!
What do you think was the biggest difference between the first half and the second half of the Week 11 game? Click to comment below!
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