With an aging quarterback behind them, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive tackles are crucial to their unit’s success. While there were some struggles at the start of the year, both Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu have shown some improvement as the season has progressed. To Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo, Fautanu is already ascending into one of the better right tackles in the league.
“The good news is Troy Fautanu is one of the top right tackles in the league,” Fittipaldo wrote in his weekly chat with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “He’s a pleasure to watch if you know offensive line play. His footwork is tremendous. His technique is tremendous. I still want to see him be more of a physical presence, but there is that well-circulated play from the Colts game when he leveled Buckner on that one play.”
Coming into the season, everyone knew the combo of Jones and Fautanu could sink the ship if they didn’t perform well enough. At the beginning of the season, Jones stole the headlines with some poor play. Then he flipped the script with a solid game against Myles Garrett. And all the while, Fautanu hasn’t been talked about much, which is usually a good thing for offensive linemen.
It is in Fautanu’s case. He hasn’t dominated, but he’s been solid, which is all the Steelers need now. In the Steelers’ win over the Colts last Sunday, Fautanu earned a solid 60-plus grade from Pro Football Focus. That’s in line with his 63.3 overall grade for the year.
What’s been most impressive is his quick development. He’s not a star yet, but the fact that he’s already finding himself in these conversations is a great sign. Especially because he missed nearly his entire rookie season and had to heal from a knee injury before his sophomore season. That’s a tough predicament for any young player to be in. Especially one with the expectations that surround a first-round selection.
But Fautanu has been reliable. He doesn’t get overwhelmed, has solid technique, and is starting to realize his power. It’s on full display here against DeForest Bucker last Sunday, in the play Fittipaldo references earlier.
His consistent start to the year is a great sign for the Steelers. In Troy Fautanu, they could have their right tackle of the future. That and center are the two positions that seem the most promising on the unit. If Broderick Jones and Mason McCormick can also improve, this could become a very talented position group shortly.
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