After consecutive 8-8 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s fair to say there are some questions and concerns heading into the 2014 season. In the coming days, we will take a closer look at some of the biggest questions marks facing the Steelers as they attempt to get back to the Super Bowl.
Can the Steelers Offensive Line be productive, and just as importantly, stay healthy?
The ability for the Steelers’ offensive line to play at a high level will be key factor for success in 2014. The Steelers have used first round picks on center Maurkice Pouncey, along with right guard David DeCastro. Add in valuable second round picks for tackles Mike Adams and Marcus Gilbert and it’s clear that the Steelers have committed to bringing in talent expected to provide yeoman’s work in the trenches.
The results since those picks have been mixed and inconsistent. When healthy, Pouncey is one of the best at his position, and the Steelers rewarded the three-time Pro Bowler with a five-year, $44 million extension this offseason. Unfortunately, Pouncey has also had his fair share of nagging injuries and missed the entire 2013 season with a torn ACL and MCL. Though he only missed three games in the previous three seasons, Pouncey has often nursed leg injuries throughout the season and it has impacted his quality of play.
The Steelers were forced to use three different centers last season, not exactly a formula for success. If Pouncey is unable to stay on the field it’s likely to have a major impact on the production of the line as a whole.
After missing most of his rookie campaign with his own knee injury, DeCastro showed signs last season of why he was a top pick for the Steelers. His continued improvement will be critical and there is reason to believe he will take the next step towards being a Pro-Bowl caliber guard. If he can continue to get better, the combination of Pouncey and DeCastro could make for a dominant 1-2 punch inside for the Steelers.
Ramon Foster looks to be the man at left guard. Though Foster rarely gets noticed, this is probably a good thing and is evidence that he is doing solid work opposite DeCastro. Moreover, Foster has been durable over the past three seasons and has played both guard positions and even right tackle as a Steeler.
Speaking of tackle, the improbable success of Kelvin Beachum, a former seventh-round pick from SMU, has been as important as it has been unexpected. Beachum was thrust into action late in his rookie season and has been a key cog in the Steelers’ offensive line since. Capable of playing both tackle and guard positions, Beachum spent much of his second season at left tackle.
Though Beachum’s story is a win for the underdog, it also tells you that Adams has not been the player he was expected to be by Steelers brass.
Adams, who came in as a risky pick with questions about his off field issues, certainly did himself no favors after an early morning incident in the South Side nearly cost Adams his life. Factor in mostly poor play during his two seasons with the Steelers and it’s fair to say that year three is going to be make or break for the former Ohio State standout.
Regardless, it’s hard to imagine that anyone within the organization believed that Beachum, an undersized seventh rounder that many projected to play guard, would be higher on the depth chart than Adams. That looks to be the case, at least heading into training camp.
Gilbert was able to secure the right tackle position last season, and for the first time in career, was able to avoid injuries that had hampered his development during his first two seasons with the Steelers. Gilbert started all 16 games last season and was the only player on the Steelers’ offensive line able to do so in 2013.
New offensive line coach Mike Munchak will be looking for a better fortune in terms of the health of his starting five, as his predecessors, Sean Kugler and Jack Bicknell Jr. seemingly had to shuffle in new starters every week. Though Munchak has a reputation as one of the best OL coaches in the game, even he will likely struggle if the injury woes continue at the same rate of the past few seasons.
Finally, Munchak will head into camp coaching a group that has some serious questions in terms of depth beyond the starters. Beyond Adams, veteran backup Guy Whimper looks serviceable at best, though he does bring experience and versatility at guard or tackle.
Cody Wallace did a solid job replacing Fernando Velasco at center late in the season, and should give the Steelers some security at guard also. Though early reports say the Steelers are impressed with fifth round pick Wesley Johnson, it’s way too early to know if the former Vanderbilt tackle will be able to make the transition to guard, especially as a rookie.
With the guidance of Munchak, and another year of experience for high picks like Pouncey, DeCastro, and Gilbert, there is certainly reason for high hopes in 2014 when it comes to the Steelers’ offensive line. Staying healthy will be the key to finding continuity and production from the group, and it will have a lot to say about what kind of season awaits the Steelers in the 2014 season.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
