In my opinion, one of the biggest problems with the Steelers’ offensive line right now starts with Mike McCarthy.
All offseason, we heard McCarthy talk about versatility. He wanted offensive linemen who could play multiple positions. He talked about having options, moving guys around and building depth across the line.
I understood the philosophy.
But now we’re hearing that one of the problems is that these guys simply don’t have enough reps playing together.
Wait a minute. Isn’t that the consequence of the plan you put in place?
You can’t spend the entire offseason moving guys around and then turn around during the season and say the offensive line needs more time together. At some point, you have to pick your best five and let them develop chemistry.
And that's what I think needs to happen now.
Dylan Cook at LT. Mason McCormick at LG. Zach Frazier at C. Troy Fautanu at RG. Max Ihaneachor at RT.
Put those five guys together and let them play.
Offensive line play is about more than individual talent. It’s communication. It’s knowing exactly what the guy next to you is going to do. It’s understanding how he reacts to a blitz, how he handles a stunt and when he is going to pass off a defender.
You don't develop that chemistry by constantly changing the lineup.
And this is where I put the responsibility squarely on McCarthy.
You wanted versatility. You got it. Now it’s time to establish stability.
The Steelers have to stop trying to find five guys who can play everywhere and start figuring out which five guys give them the best chance to win.
And it starts up front.
If this offensive line is going to improve, they need to get their best five on the field, keep them there and let them build the chemistry they didn't get enough of during the offseason.
Because at this point, the lack of reps together isn't an excuse. It's a problem the coaching staff created.