Good Monday to you Steelers fans.
One of the things I’ve been ruminating over this summer is the offensive line. So much so, I actually had a dream about it the other night and let’s just say there were some changes made. While I have serious concerns about Chuks Okorafor at right tackle, I also have them about the guy who for right now, is supposed to take over the center position. Mason Cole, acquired in free agency this past spring, is currently penciled in as the starting center. While I believe that’s the direction the Steelers are headed, there are other options. James Daniels has solid experience as a center both in college and with the Bears so we can’t rule that out just yet. But all signs point to Cole. Kendrick Green worked exclusively at left guard during OTAs signaling his experiment at center is over. Let’s get back to Cole. In his rookie season in 2018 Cole started all 16 games for the Arizona Cardinals. In 2019, he appeared in all 16 but started just two and then he bounced back in 2020 to start 14 games. After signing a free agent deal in Minnesota for 2021, Cole started just seven games and then joined the Steelers. While I believe he will be a step up from Green, I’m still not 100% sure he’s anything more than a stop-gap for this season. Cole is big (6’4″) and has a solid base but struggles with his hand usage. His run blocking is pretty decent but his pass protection has lapses at times that can be troubling. As most of you know, if the offensive line cannot control the center of attack then the entire offense blows up. With Ben Roethlisberger no longer getting the ball out in 2.3 seconds, Cole must anchor the line keep the chaos from happening. He will be the key cog in terms of whether or not this offensive line improves from what we saw last season.
The Podcast
Episode 277 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc is available for your listening and/or viewing pleasure. We discussed the re-naming of the home of the Steelers from Heinz Field to Acrisure Stadium… Voiced our concerns over the offensive line and a a whole lot more.
Tweet of the Day… Some of you remember former Steelers’ fullback Verron Haynes right? Well, his son is already doing big things too.
Son of former Steelers RB Verron Haynes https://t.co/YbRGKoNIAm
— The Steelers n'at (@thesteelersnat) July 17, 2022
Since We’re Talking O-Line
Fan favorite Kevin Dotson is facing two challenges this summer when Training Camp begins. The first is own health. Dotson has had injury issues in his first couple of NFL seasons and as the old saying goes, “If you’re in the tub then you’re not on the club.” The second is Kendrick Green. Most of us knew coming into last season that Green’s better position was guard yet Mike Tomlin and company were determined to play him at center. Now he’s getting a shot at left guard where Dotson awaits for what should be one of the best battles of Camp. Don’t sleep on John LeGlue either who played well in place of Dotson last year. To say this is a big year for Dotson is a huge understatement.
Celebrating 50 years of “Immaculate”
We’ve got a brand new shirt/hoodie in our online store with DC4L Custom Tees celebrating the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception!” Get yours right here.
FOCO
The great people at FOCO have released their brand new Steelers Spring Collection and I’ve got it right here for you. We get a small percentage back on anything that you buy so please consider it! AND…. Check out their selection of reusable bags too! There are tons of great Steelers item on their site outside of the Spring collection too!
Our Online Store
Please visit our online store! We have been so fortunate to work with DC4L Custom Tees! They are wonderful to work with and are willing to work with you on just about any design you can come up with!
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