Tag Archives: James Daniels

Steelers 2026 NFL Draft Needs at Guard and Center: Stability Meets Uncertainty

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Omar Khan and Andy Weidl’s first major personnel move with the Steelers was to sign Isaac Seumalo.

Isaac Seumalo was their first building block in their end-to-end makeover of the Steelers’ offensive line. The process began in 2023 and by 2025 it was complete, as Khan and Weidl has replaced the entire starting offensive line.

But the Steelers let Semalo walk in free agency, so does that mean that Khan and Weidl need to address guard in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Spencer Anderson lines up at Acrisure Stadium

Spencer Anderson in 2024. Photo Credit: Times Observer.

The Steelers Center and Guard Depth Charts Entering the 2026 NFL Draft – The Starters

The Steelers interior offensive line is anchored by Zach Frazier, whom Khan and Weidl drafted in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Going into the draft there was speculation the Steelers might draft the West Virginia native first, and based on his play over two years we can see why.

Frazier still needs to improve to before we begin mentioning with names like “Mansfield,” “Webster,” “Dawson,” “Hartings“and “Pouncey“, but everything he has shown thus far indicates he can become that person.

Playing to the Fraizer’s right is Mason McCormick, whom Pittsburgh picked in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. McCormick got thrown into the starting line up earlier than expected due to injuries to Seumalo and then James Daniels, but has played well and the right side of the Steelers offensive line is shaping up to be a strength.

The Steelers Center and Guard Depth Chart Entering the 2026 NFL Draft – The Backups

Just how versatile is Spencer Anderson? Well, unlike any of the other players on the offensive line he has caught a pass from Aaron Rodgers. He can also play tackle and guard and that’s what makes the Steelers decision at guard, and also offensive tackle so interesting.

The Steelers drafted Spencer Anderson in the 7th round of the 2023 NFL Draft and today could be penciled in at guard right now. Or perhaps he could be in the mix at tackle. Or the Steelers could value his versatility as swing tackle third tight end for the team’s “Jumbo Package” assuming Mike McCarthy continues to use that.

Either way he gives the team options, but the decision McCarthy and his staff must make is whether Spencer can be a long-term starter at guard.

Behind Anderson and Fraizer, the Steelers have Brock Hoffman and Ryan McCollum, two interior lineman who can play both guard and center. The Steelers list Steven Jones, Sataoa Laumea, and Aiden Williams listed as guards. They also have Doug Nester and Lorenzo Thompson listed as offensive lineman.

Steelers 2026 Draft Needs at Center and Guard

If the Steelers situation at interior offensive line is complicate, center is simple. With Zach Frazier on board center is one of the areas where the Steelers can afford to pass on a blue-chip prospect in favor of drafting a different player at an area of need. So Steelers draft needs at center are borderline Negligible.

The Pittsburgh Steelers draft needs scale

Guard is a different story on its own, and the plot takes an even bigger twist when you consider the situation at offensive tackle.

Spencer Anderson is a capable player, but if the next Alan Faneca or even the next David DeCastro falls to the Steelers they can’t afford to let him walk. With that said, Pittsburgh does have more depth at guard than they do at tackle, so the Steelers need at guard going into the 2026 NFL Draft should be considered Moderate.

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Steelers 2025 Draft Needs @ Offensive Line – Higher Than You Think….

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The first big ticket free agent signing by Omar Khan and Andy Weidl was Isaac Seumalo. A few weeks later they made Broderick Jones their first round draft pick. A year later, they drafted Troy Fautanu in the first round, Zach Frazier in the 2nd round and Mason McCormick in the 4th round.

  • Sense a trend here?

But does that mean the Steelers could look again to the offensive line in 2025? Or might that just be too much of a good thing?

Broderick Jones

Broderick Jones decked out in color rush. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Steelers Offensive Line Depth Cart: The Starters

As the intro suggested, the Steelers brain trust has been very deliberate in building their offensive line. Alas, even though the Steelers have gotten what they’ve wanted in free agency and the draft, they yet to secure what they’ve needed.

The Steelers drafted Jones as a project, and played to bring him along and hopefully work him in at left tackle during 2023. Yet Chuks Okorafor struggled, and Jones had to replace him as a starter.

Last summer, the idea was for Jones to beat out Dan Moore at left tackle during training camp, for Fautanu to start at right tackle with Moore playing the swing tackle. But…

  • Moore showed he couldn’t play right tackle
  • Jones really wasn’t beating him out at left tackle anyway
  • Fautanu kept getting hurt, first in camp, and then after his only start

In a similar vein, the Steelers arrived at St. Vincents hoping to give Fraizer and McCormick apprenticeships at center and guard. Nick Herbig got injured early in camp, forcing Frazier into that role. And James Daniels was lost early in the season forcing McCorrmick into the starting role.

On paper, the Steelers should field a pretty strong offensive line in 2025…

…But as we’ve just seen, things haven’t been going according to plan.

Steelers Offensive Line Depth Chart: The Backups

In 2024, the Steelers successfully weathered so many offensive line injuries because they had good depth here. But now James Daniels, Dan Moore and Nick Herbig are playing elsewhere.

The Steelers do have Ryan McCollum who played well in two starts last season. Spencer Anderson has position flexibility and has played 25 NFL games including 4 starts at guard last season. The team also has offensive tackle Calvin Anderson whom they late in 2024 and Dylan Cook who spent 2023 on the Steelers active roster, who spent time on IR in 2024 as well as the practice squad.

For the record, the Steelers also list Doug Nester, Lecitus Smith and Steven Jones as guards on their off season roster.

The Steelers 2025 Draft Needs @ Offensive Line

This is where things get interesting. ON paper the Steelers starting offensive line appears set. Yet, when asked to commit to his front five at the NFL owners meeting, Mike Tomlin declined, explaining:Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Needs Scale

I feel like we have some guys that are certainly capable of the role. But to say that as I sit here today, would be untrue. I don’t know who I’m going to end up with or who I’m going to be in position to consider.

It would be easy to write this off as just coach speak, but at the NFL Scouting Combine Steel City Insider’s Jim Wexell talked to “a league scout who knows the Steelers well” who cited Jones’ lack of development in 2024 labeling him a “coach killer.”

Given those comments, along with the absence of a true swing tackle and lack of depth at guard, and the Steelers needs at offensive line going into the 2025 NFL Draft must be considered High.

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Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Free Agent Tracker

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Free Agency started on Monday March 10th at noon.

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered free agency with as much as much to lose as they do have to gain.

The Steelers have 17 players set to become free agents. Omar Khan has over 60 million dollars in salary cap money to spend, with the ability to increase that quickly and easily with restructures and extensions. Yet, the team has been cautious.

  • If anyone is panicking over the Steelers lack of a quarterback, they’re not on the South Side.

Beyond that, the Steelers have seen far more free agents depart for greener patures than they have extended the welcome mat to.

steelers press conference,

Is Omar Khan stockpiling compensatory picks? That may not be his intent, but thus far that’s the end-product of his approach to free agency as the legal tampering period comes to an end.

Steelers 2024 Pickups During Free Agency

Jaylen Warren, Running Back
Extended 2nd round Restricted Free Agent Tender
Ryan McCollum, Center
Extended an Exclusive Rights Free Agent tender
D.K. Metcalf
Traded their 2nd round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft for D.K. Metcalf who signed a 4 year extension
Kenneth Gainwell, running back
Signed the former Philadelphia Eagles running back to a 1 year deal.
Malik Harrison, Inside Linebacker
Signs a 2-year, 10 million dollar contract to leave the Baltimore Ravens.
Brandin Echols, Cornerback
Signs with Steelers from the New York Jets, terms undisclosed.
Darius Slay, Cornerback
Signs 1-year, 10 million dollar contract after getting cut from Philadelphia Eagles.
Mason Rudolph, Quarterback
Signs 2-year, 8 million dollar contract.
Scotty Miller, Wide Receiver
Signs 1-year deal, presumptively at the veteran minimum.
Ben Skowronek, Wide Receiver
Signs 2-year deal, 4.5 million dollar contract.
Daniel Ekuale, Defensive End
Signs with Steelers from the New England Patriots
Juan Thornhill, Safety
Signs 1-year deal from the Cleveland Browns
Isaiahh Loudermilk, Defensive line
Signs 1-year deal, presumptively at the veteran minimum.
Esezi Otomewo, defensive lineman
Signs 1-year contract, presumptively at the veteran minimum, from the Jacksonville Jaguars

Steelers 2024 Free Agent Losses


Justin Fields, Quarterback
Signed 2 year, 40 million dollar deal with the New York Jets
Donte Jackson, Cornerback
Signed 2 year, 13 million dollar contract with San Die er um Los Angeles Chargers
Dan Moore, Offensive Tackle
Signed 4 year, 82 million dollar contract with Tennessee Titans
Najee Harris, Running Back
Signs 1 year, 9.25 million dollar contract with Los Angeles Chargers
Elandon Roberts, Inside Linebacker
Signs 1 year, 3 million dollar contract with Las Vegas Raiders
James Daniels, Guard
Signs 3 year 24 million dollar contract with Miami Dolphins
Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver
Signs 1 year, 2.5 million dollar contract with Tennessee Titans
Mike Williams, Wide Receiver
Signs 1 year, 7 million dollar contract to return to the Los Angeles Chargers
Nate Herbig, Guard/Center
Signs 1 year deal with Washington Commanders

Steelers 2024 Remaining Unrestricted Free Agents

Russell Wilson, Quarterback
Cam Sutton, Cornerback
MyCole Pruitt, Tight End
Kyle Allen, Quarterback
Tyler Matakevich, Inside Linebacker/Special Teams
Damontae Kazee, Safety

Exclusive Rights Free Agents

Jeremiah Moon, Outside Linebacker

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Expect Steelers “Old Hand” James Daniels to Find New Team in 2025

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“Every new platoon deserves an old hand.”

The Steelers turned over 4/5’s of their offensive line in 2021 and the and inexperienced unit struggled. In his last free agent campaign, Kevin Colbert made it his business to change that.

  • He went out and brought an old hand to Pittsburgh.

Well, James Daniels was only 25, so that hardly classifies him as “old.” But he did have 48 starts under his belt with a total of 54 NFL games of experience, which is probably more than the combined experience of the rest of the returning members of the offensive line.

Now that his three year contract is over, the question is will he get a second contract to stay in Pittsburgh.

James Daniels, James Daniels guardian cap

James Daniels at Acrisure Stadium. Photo Credit: Kylee Surike, PennLive.com

Profile of James Daniels’ Steelers Career

James Daniels arrived and immediately took over the starting right guard position. He held that down throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The offensive line got off to slow starts in both seasons, but James Daniels was clearly one of the unit’s strengths.

His leadership was also apparent, as he helped protect Kenny Pickett from cheap shots in his first start against the Bills.

Although James Daniels entered 2024 as the Steelers starter at left guard, Omar Khan opted not to offer him a contract extension. Daniels was playing well and providing a source of stability as injuries ravaged the offensive line early in the season when he tore his Achilles early in the Steelers loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Case for the Steelers Resigning James Daniels

Mason McCormick did well by all accounts when he took over for Daniels, but the offensive line clearly missed his presence. At age 27, he’s already got 84 starts under his belt, and the Steelers already need to think of Isaac Seumalo who was injured last year and is entering the final year of his contract.

The reality is that coming of an Achilles injury, Daniels may not even be able to pass an NFL physical at this point. Assuming he crosses that threshold at some point this spring, the Steelers have a chance to ink him at an ultra-team friendly deal, let him start the season on the PUP list, and work him in during the year.

Then in 2026 when Seumalo becomes a free agent, they can move McCormick to his natural left side and slide Daniels in on the right.

The Case Against the Steelers Resigning James Daniels

James Daniels certainly was an upgrade from Trai Turner, but who would have been? He was a good offensive guard and offered some position flexibility, but he was never going to be one of those bruising, people-moving offensive lineman that the Philadelphia Eagles have.

The Steelers would be better off using their salary cap dollars and the roster spot at finding someone who projects in that direction.

Curtain’s Call on the Steelers and James Daniels

Omar Khan showed good instincts by not extending Daniels’ contract last summer. And you have to figure, if there wasn’t interest in doing a new deal for them then, how much is there going to be now that he’s coming off an Achilles injury?

It is possible that if Daniels gets no interest elsewhere, the Steelers could bring him back in the summer on a veteran-minimum deal.

But barring that, expect Daniels to find is NFL future outside of Pittsburgh.

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5 Keys to the Steelers Success in the 2nd Half of the 2024 Season

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The Pittsburgh Steelers exit the bye week with a 6-2 record and embark upon a brutal 9-game stretch that includes all 6 of their AFC North games including one Thursday night game and another Wednesday night game.

These games will put the Steelers through a crucible, testing them as they haven’t been tested before.

  • Steelers won’t win all of those games.

How well they pass this test will determine whether this team not only reaches the playoffs but whether they arrive there with a chance to make a run at Lombardi Number 7. (Please spare me the “win a playoff game mantra.”)

Here are X keys to for the Steelers success in the 2nd half of the season. Quick note: things like “Keep T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward healthy” are not “keys” as those are out of Mike Tomlin’s control.

Russell Wilson, Russell Wilson first start Steelers, Steelers vs Jets

Russell Wilson rolls out in his first start with the Steelers. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

1. Lean In to Arthur Smith’s Offense

For the first six games, Arthur Smith’s offense didn’t look much different than Matt Canada’s. Yes, Smith’s differences in philosophy were evident, but offense’s biggest weapons were Chris Boswell’s leg and Justin Fields legs.

When Russell Wilson took the helm against the Jets, a different offense began to emerge.

Wilson’s “Moon Balls” to George Pickens, Calvin Austin and Pat Freiermuth did more than just create “chunk” plays for the Steelers offense, it opened up rushing lanes for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

This must continue. The Steelers are going to need a dynamic offense to prevail in the AFC North.

Calvin Austin, Steelers vs Giants,

Calvin Austin hauls in a touchdown. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

2. Improve in the Red Zone

One thing that the Steelers offense hasn’t done appreciably better with Wilson at the help is score in the Red Zone. They did a little better in his first start against the Jets, but settled for field goals twice against the Giants, which transformed what should have been a blow out into a close game.

3. Beef Up the Run Defense

This need goes hand-in-hand with the offensive needs. If the Steelers execute Smith’s offense effectively, they’ll control the clock. But controlling the clock doesn’t really work if you settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.

One of the reasons that the Steelers can’t afford to keep settling for field goals is that it allows other teams to run the ball.

  • And the Steelers have struggled to stop the run – at times.

When the Chargers came into Acrisure, all eyes were on J.K. Dobbins and one of the NFL’s most vaunted rushing attacks. Yet the Steelers shut them down. Yet…

This is priority A 1 for Teryl Austin. Whether it means using the nickel defense less, playing Elandon Roberts more, coaching Patrick Queen to cover his gaps better or snapping Keeanu Benton out of a sophomore slump, he has to figure it out.

4. Continue to Build Cohesion on the Offensive Line

Once again the Steelers offensive line started slowly, but this time we know why: Injuries.

Everyone one of the training camp projected starters not named Dan Moorehas missed time, with Nate Herbig, James Daniels and Troy Fautanu lost for the season.

Given that the line has held its own, but it will need to do more than that on the back-end of the season. One player who clearly must step up is Broderick Jones. A year ago Jones earned his first start at left tackle against the Titans and that sparked the beginning of the turn around for the offensive line.

In 2024 he’s struggled at times. There is no doubt that injuries hampered him in the summer and early part of the year, but injuries or naught, the Steelers need better play from Jones during these last nine games.

5. Find a Way to Unleash Minkah Magic

Minkah Fitzpatrick has had a quiet season. That doesn’t mean he has played poorly. In fact, he’s done a good job of manning the back door and keeping a lid on the opposing offenses.

But to neutralize the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson and the Steelers are going to need him to be a playmaker again.

 

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What to Make of the Steelers “Maginot” Offensive Line?

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to kickoff their celebration of the 1974 Super Bowl IX championship team at half time when the New York Jets come to Acrisure Stadium for Sunday Night football.

  • As Tony Dungy noted on Instagram, there’s a historical parallel emerging in real time.

In week 7 of the 1974 season Chuck Noll benched Joe Gilliam who was 4-1-1 in favor of the veteran Terry Bradshaw. And here in week 7 in 2024, all indicators point to Mike Tomlin benching Justin Fields, who is 4-2 as a starter, in favor of veteran Russell Wilson.

James Daniels, James Daniels guardian cap

James Daniels at Acrisure Stadium. Photo Credit: Kylee Surike, PennLive.com

That’s a great story and an awesome piece of historical symmetry that – God willing – will sustain itself through February.

But a tweet from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac has me reaching further back into history for another parallel.

 

Will we remember 2024 as the year the Maginot Line reached Pittsburgh?

The Maginot Line in 88 Words

World War I was fought in muddy trenches in Northern and Eastern France. Determined to avoid a repeat, France spent 3.9 billion dollars building the Maginot Line along the German border.

The Maginot Line featured the best weapons and best fortification that money could buy, including air conditioning and its own subway.

But for all its bells and whistles, the Maginot Line was a complete failure. When Germany attacked in 1940 it went around, over or otherwise ignored France’s border defenses, securing victory in a few short weeks.

The Backstory Behind the Steelers 2024 Offensive Line

For a good chunk of the teens the Steelers had the best offensive line in the business. Then a combination of age, injury and Salary Cap Armageddon forced them to rebuild overnight.

Between the playoff loss against Cleveland in 2020 and opening day 2021 the Steelers fielded 4 new starters on offensive line. But rebuilding on the fly on the cheap didn’t work. Dan Moore is the only starter from that 2021 opening-day offensive line that remains.

Since then, Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert and Omar Khan have invested heavily in the offensive line. And they’re playing the long game in both free agency and the draft

James Daniels, 2022 free agent signing
Nate Herbig, 2023 free agent signing
Isaac Seumalo, 2023 free agent signing

Broderick Jones, First round draft pick 2023 NFL Draft
Troy Fautanu, First round draft pick 2024 NFL Draft
Zach Fraizer, 2nd round draft pick, 2024 NFL Draft
Mason McCormick, 4th round draft pick 2024 NFL Draft

The plan was for the line was to be rock that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith built is Bill Cowheresque offensive around.

But the Steelers will take the field against the Jets with Daniels, Herbig, Fautanu on injured reserve, Frazier out with an injury, Broderick Jones playing with an injured elbow, Seumalo starting just his third game due to injury and McCormick starting for Daniels.

So yes it does feel like Khan and company have built the football equivalent of the Maginot line in Pittsburgh. But that feeling is where the analogy should end.

The Maginot Line is a textbook example of a country preparing for the last war instead of the next one. In contrast, investing in the offensive line is always a sound strategy in football, at any level.

The Steelers have just has an incredibly bad streak of luck in terms of injuries on the offensive line.

  • But that hardly dooms the Terry Bradshaw-Russell Wilson parallel.

The last time the Steelers had to rebuild their offensive line in season was 2008.  It did not go smoothly, but it did end with Ben Roethlisberger holding the Lombardi on the dais after Super Bowl XLIII asking, “Offensive line, who’s laughing now?”

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Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields – The Pros and Cons for Both as the Steelers Starter

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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it official at his press conference declaring that Russell Wilson is “in consideration” to start Sunday against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium.

Russell Wilson entered the preseason as QB Number 1, but injured his calf on the first day of drills at St. Vincents, leading Justin Fields to start for the Steelers first two preseason games. Wilson did start the final preseason game, but injured his calf the week before the season opener and Fields has started since.

This is an interesting call, as each quarterback brings pros and cons to the table. IT will also reveal something about Mike Tomlin.

Russell Wilson, Justin Fields,

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson (3) and Justin Fields (2) before a preseason game against Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

The Case for Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2 with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback.

No, Fields hasn’t looked like the next Steve Young or Lamar Jackson. But he’s led the Steelers to four wins despite an offensive line that has been ravaged by injuries, a running game that’s been slow to start and what could be charitably described as a JV wide receiver crops, George Pickens excluded.

  • If Fields arrived in Pittsburgh as a quarterback reclamation project.

And no, he hasn’t looked like a late-blooming quarterback blossoming into an All Pro in real time. But there have been flashes that he is capable of greatness. Moreover, after throwing 30 interceptions over three seasons in Chicago, he’s thrown only one in Pittsburgh.

On our final point there is no room for equivocation: Justin Fields has been the most potent, most consistent weapon for the Steelers offense. He’s rushed for just under a third of their ground attack and scored 45% of their touchdowns.

The Case for Russell Wilson

The Steelers signed Russell Wilson to be their starter. This was the plan from the get go. His injury complicated things but since then he’s only been a question of WHEN and not IF.

  • Russell Wilson is a 9 time Pro Bowler and owns a Super Bowl ring.

The Steelers offense is young. Very young. Wilson will provide immediate veteran leadership in the huddle. That’s no knock on Fields, but Wilson has “been there, done that.”

If the wins over the Falcons, Broncos, Chargers and Raiders are any indication, the Steelers have a Super Bowl-ready defense. The offense has just been good enough to get by. It lacks explosiveness. It hasn’t made the “cunk” plays off of play action that Arthur Smith is known for.

Wilson can bring that. Even a bad situation last year in Denver, Wilson managed to throw 26 touchdown passes.

The Steelers haven’t sniffed that kind of areal attack since Ben Roethlisberger retired. The rough part of the Steelers schedule is rapidly approaching. Now is the time for Mike Tomlin and company to see exactly what they have in Wilson.

The Case Against Justin Fields

Yes, Fields has been the offense’s best weapon, but quarterbacks are supposed to do damage with their arms, not their legs.

  • And Fields hasn’t been a prolific passer.

Early in the season, Fields was taking shots down the field. but those have tapered off. Against the Raiders the Steelers leading receiver was George Pickens with 3 passes for 53 yards. 31 of those came in a late game stats padding play. Against the Cowboys, the Steelers leading ball catcher was Najee Harris who had 2 grabs for 35 yards.

  • Those are Pop Warner level stats, not NFL numbers.

And while its true that Fields has protected the ball, he has had 6 fumbles. He’s only lost one of those, but any of the others could have been game changers. He also had an ugly interception erased by a questionable penalty.

The Steelers have seen what they have in Fields. He’s someone they should consider keeping around next season. But the Steelers need more now.

The Case Against Russell Wilson

How about these numbers: 28, 6 and 12. That’s 28 preseason snaps for Russell Wilson, in 6 series, where he threw 12 passes. Yes, Russell Wilson is a decorated NFL veteran.

  • But he’s new to the team and new to the system.

And practice still makes perfect, and Wilson has only had a couple of three weeks in working as a full participant with the Steelers first team – and that goes back to the first week at St. Vincents.

And let’s keep in mind that the offensive line the Steelers were hoping to field when they arrived in Latrobe is very different from the one that will line up on Sunday night against the Jets. Troy Fautanu and James Daniels are in IR. Rookie Zach Frazier, arguably their best player already, will also be out.

While its true that many of Justin Fields runs have been designed plays, he’s also used his legs to evade the pass rush that the line has been powerless to stop. Can the Steelers really expect to put a 35-year-old man behind that line an hope to win?

While Russell Wilson might give the offense a boost, is he really going to make them Super Bowl contenders? Is it any easier to envision Van Jefferson mugging with the Lombardi than it was to imagine Weegie Thompson doing the same (nod to Defeo man)?

Justin Fields hasn’t proven he’s the next franchise quarterback for the Steelers, but he has shown that he might be. Its time for Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan to find out what they’ve really got.

Tomlin History with the Quarterback Carousel

Mike Tomlin might be the longest-tenured NFL coach, but hasn’t had much experience with quarterback management.

  • Ben Roethlisberger was going to be his starter no ifs, ands or buts.
Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Steelers 2022 quarterback competition

Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Photo Credit: Brandon Sloter / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images and The Athletic.)

During the 2010 preseason, he did stage 3 way competition between Byron Leftwich, Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch. Tomlin took heat in the press for how he managed things, but the Steelers finished 3-1 during that stretch while effectively playing their 4th string quarterback.

That did not go as well. While his preference based on contract and draft status for Tribusiky and Pickett made sense, but the end of 2023 Mason Rudolph was looking liked he’d been the best quarterback all along.

Now Tomlin has to make another quarterback decision. Hopefully he’s gained wisdom through past experience.

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James Daniels Achilles Tear Offers Painful Reminder: You Can Never Have “Too Many” Good Offensive Lineman

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For those of you just tuning in, the conclusion from the Steelers loss to the Colts was simple: Don’t jump to any. And that’s because Steelers last two trips to Indianapolis told us nothing about the trajectory of the team and because despite making a raft of mistakes, Pittsburgh still could have pulled off a win.

James Daniels, James Daniels guardian cap

James Daniels at Acrisure Stadium. Photo Credit: Kylee Surike, PennLive.com

But James Daniels’ Achilles tear and loss for the season did reinforce another reality about the game: The law of averages retains an awesome and oftentimes terrible ability to work its will in the NFL.

  • This is something that sports fans in general and Steelers fans in particular lose sight of.

It is easy to understand Steelers Nation’s collective shortsightedness. The Steelers have only had one losing season this century. Since Franco Harris consummated the Immaculate Reception, the worst the Steelers have done are 5-11 in 1988 and a trio of 6-12 seasons in 1986, 1999 and 2003.

Even without bringing those 6 Lombardi’s back to Pittsburgh, Dan Rooney found a way to beat the odds. But as James Daniels’ injury reminds us, even the Steelers do not enjoy immunity from the law of averages.

Both the Steelers offense and the offensive line have seen their share of ups and downs over the last two seasons. They’ve gotten off to slow starts in both seasons, complicating the development/the ability to evaluate the development of players like Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris.

  • But the units have been incredibly healthy during that time.

Dan Moore missed the Houston game in 2023, and there’ve been a few other dings here and there, but for the last two years the Steelers string of luck when it comes to the health of their offensive line has been remarkable and almost unprecedented.

  • But 2024 tells a different tale.

Going into training camp the smart money put the Steelers opening day offensive line as Dan Moore, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels and Troy Fautanu. Within minutes of the opening gun at Indianapolis, the Steelers only Moore and Fraizer were playing.

The Steelers will hopefully get back Isaac Seumalo this week, but Daniels and Fautanu. are done for the year. That’s just the brutal reality of life in the NFL.

And that’s another reason why fans should maintain a Reality Football perspective on roster management and avoid indulging fantasy football fantasies.

Case in point, in mid-August fans on Steel City Insider’s South Side message board, a place for “adult” Steelers discussions if there ever was way, spent a lot of time debating a hypothetical James Daniels trade. And the debate wasn’t on whether Omar Khan should deal him, but how much Khan could get for him.

It was as if we’d forgotten the musical chairs on offensive line in 2021 that involved John Leglue and “The General” Joe Haeg.

Fortunately none of that reached the ears of Omar Khan or Andy Weidl. Both men have been around the block long enough to know that the corollary to the Law of Averages is this: In the NFL, you can NEVER have enough good offensive lineman.

James Daniels has been a good player for the Steelers, a leader on the offensive line and by all accounts is a stand up guy in the locker room. Here’s to wishing him good luck and Godspeed on his recovery from a difficult and painful injury.

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Steelers Report Card for Loss to the Colts A Bad Snap Does Ruin the Barrel Edition

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Taken from the grade book of a teacher who hopes his students learned that one bad snap can ruin the whole barrel, here is the Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for the 2024 loss to the Colts.

Justin Fields, Justin Fields Bad Snap, Steelers vs Colts

Justin Fields is sacked after an errant 4th quarter snap. Photo Credit: CBS47 and KSEE24

Quarterback
Justin Fields displayed both good and bad. He was 22 of 34 for 314 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. After some rough patches, he rallied the team leading 3 4th quarter touchdown drives. All encouraging positives. On the negative side, he scuttled one drive with a very negative sack and then had yet another snap hit him in the face following the 2-minute warning. We don’t grade on a curve, and those mistakes carried a dear price. Grade: C-Steelers, Report Card, grades,

Running Backs
In going 6-43 Cordarrelle Patterson didn’t simply run well, he had the look of a back who might take over the game. Alas, he got hurt, giving way to Najee Harris. Running behind the same line against the same defenders Harris put on a display of “Sludge Ball” at its worst. ON paper, he had a good day catching the ball, going 3 passes for 56 yards, but on his last one he failed to get out of bounds. Practice squader Aaron Shampklin had one carry for 5 yards. Patterson’s performance brings the group grade up. Grade: C-

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth had 5 catches for 57 yards and a touchdown while Darnell Washington had 2 grabs for 31 yards, including a 20 beauty. Arthur Smith still doesn’t seem able to make Connor Heyward into a weapon. The tight ends were above the line. Grade: C

Wide Receiver
George Pickens had 7 catches for 113 yards on 11 targets – a great day statistically. However, his fumble late in the 2nd quarter cost the Steelers at least 3 points if not 7. Calvin Austin had a nice 17 yard catch and Van Jefferson took off his invisibility cloak to make 2 catches for 21 yards. But between Pickens’ fumble and the lack of a true number 2 wide out, this group’s grade suffers. Grade: D

Offensive Line
Yes, losing James Daniels hurts. And yes, they were starting a rookie. And yes this unit is now down to 2 of his 5 projected starters. But NFL games don’t get graded on a curve. The Colts front seven both out muscled and out maneuvered the Steelers offensive line early in the game. Things improved in the second half, but why was their yet another errant snap? Grade: F

Defensive Line
The surprising thing about Jonathan Taylor’s state line is that its only for 88 yards and 4.2 yards a carry – he certainly was averaging better than that in the first half. When Cam Heyward can wrap Joe Flacco only to see Flacco squirm out and complete a pass, you know its been a difficult day for the Steelers defensive line. The line got batter later in the game, but it was too little, too late. Grade: D

Linebackers
T.J. Watt was held without a sack, literally, for the first time this year. Nick Herbig did get his, but the Steelers missed Alex Highsmith’s presence against the run. Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts and Peyton Wilson shoulder some of the blame for the Colts rushing success. Grade: C-

Secondary
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s penalty wasn’t fair, but it was certainly costly. Joey Porter Jr. had a rough outing, and that doesn’t include his letting an interception slip through his fingers in the end zone. The Colts were 8 of 15 on third downs and had two touchdowns through the air. Grade: D

Special Teams
Corliss Waitman’s 34.4 average might not impress, but he did land two inside the 20. Calvin Austin had a strong return that should have set up a 2nd half score. In other news Chris Boswell kicked another 50 yarder. Grade: B

Coaching
Credit the Indianapolis offensive staff:  They clearly came prepared to take it to the Steelers defense, and for too long Teryl Austin’s unit struggled to make the adjustments. They did hold the Colts at the end when it counted, but that simply wasn’t enough.

Arthur Smith’s offense remains a work in progress.

When Najee Harris wasn’t getting the job done on the ground, he switched up to Patterson and it worked. Without a running game he guided Justin Fields to an incredible 21 point 4th quarter effort, effectively using tight end and running backs to make up for the deficiency at wide receiver. Still, the unit took too long to show life.

Mike Tomlin likes to say, “Players play, coaches coach.” Fair enough. But errant center-quarterback exchanges are becoming a staple of this offense. Tomlin needs have Zach Frazier and Justin Fields rep this for as long as it takes to get it right.

Deshon Elliott, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers vs Colts

DeShon Elliot. Photo Credit: Steelers.com

For the record, this one didn’t have the feel of a “Tomlin Trap” game – and Steelers coaches and players did make adjustments. But the Colts hit the ground running in this game while the Steelers took too long to find their footing, and that falls on Mike Tomlin’s shoulders. Grade: D

Unsung Hero Award
In a game where a lot of things went wrong, there was one player who consistently crossed the field to help make things right and in doing so he led the team in tackles. And for that DeShon Elliott wins the Unsung Hero Award for the Steelers 2024 road loss to the Colts.

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Who Survived the Turk? Steelers Release Initial 2024 Roster

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As required by NFL rules, the Pittsburgh Steelers made final cuts for this summer to narrow their roster to the 53-man regular season limit.

Omar Khan, Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan, Photo Credit: Nola.com

There were some difficult choices as several young promising prospects got caught up in the proverbial “numbers game,” while injuries have simplified other decisions in a rather unwelcome fashion.

Here is an initial look at the depth chart, although it will be a surprise of Omar Khan does not make additional moves either via the wavier wire or through a trade.

Quarterbacks
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen

No surprises here, despite what the National media might want you to think.

Running backs
Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

Not surprising, if perhaps a bit disappointing that the Steelers will again tempt fate by only keeping three running backs.

Wide receivers
George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson

The Steelers have typical kept 6 wide outs. Sign of an impending personnel move or just indicative of the fact that Arthur Smith runs a tight end centric offense? We’ll know soon.

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, Darnell Washington, MyCole Pruitt

Puritt makes the team and Rodney William’s expense. Expect Connor Heyward to do double duty at fullback.

Offensive Line
Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautano, Ryan McCollum, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson

Dylan Cook has been put on the injured reserve designated to return list.

Defensive Line
Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee

Rookie Logan Lee’s inclusion is a bit of a surprise and DeMarvin Leal remains on the line for a time despite reports that he’s moved to outside linebacker. One of the deepest defensive lines the Steelers have fielded in a long time.

Inside linebacker
Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich, Mark Robinson

Its not normal for the Steelers to keep 5 inside linebackers, but special teams is keying Matakevich and Robison’s presence, although the latter could go if a trade or waiver wire pickup is made.

Outside linebacker
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig,

The Steelers might not have quantity here, but they certainly have quality.

Safety
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Jalen Elliott

Keeping 5 safeties is a bit unusual, but the Steelers do believe in their 3 safety package.

Cornerback
Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop

Cam Sutton will begin the year serving out an 8-game suspension. When he does he’ll add experience to a very young group.

Specialists
Chris Boswell, kicker; Cameron Johnston, punter; Christian Kuntz, long snapper

A Word on the Ones Visited by The Turk

Running backs La’Mical Perine, Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklin and fullback Jack Colletto all had their moments during training camp and/or preseason, but non made the cut. Expect Colletto and one of the other running backs to return to the practice squad.

German outside linebacker Julius Welschof had a strong preseason and was expected to be a practice squad lock, but has been put on injured reserve, as has rookie safety Ryan Watts.

The Steelers designated Dylan Cook and Jeremiah Moon as injured reserve designated to return, meaning both are eligible to return after sitting out the first for weeks of the season.

Cole Holcomb, who missed all of training camp, remains on the physical unable to perform list but is eligible to return after 4 weeks.

As mentioned above, Omar Khan is undoubtedly working the phones and scouring the waiver wire. So while this 53 man roster to change between now and opening day in Atlanta.

 

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