After injuries robbed first-round OT Troy Fautanu of most of his rookie season, he’s finally living his NFL dream as the starting right tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. Paired with fellow first-round pick Broderick Jones to bookend the offensive line, Fautanu is coming into his own and some have taken notice of his impressive play through eight games.
Fautanu might still be flying under the radar in the early portion of his NFL career but one person who won’t be forgetting his name any time soon is Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. In last Sunday’s win over the Colts in Pittsburgh, Fautanu laid a vicious block on Buckner in pass protection. When asked about the play on WMBS Radio’s Sportsline with George Von Benko, Fautanu said “it’s an offensive lineman’s dream” to lay a massive hit like that on a defender that knocks them off their feet.
“In the NFL, it’s always hard to get one of those. Like I said before, it’s an offensive lineman’s dream,” Fautanu told George Von Benko. “I was just kinda hoping that he went inside and he did and that took advantage of the opportunity. But hoping for a lot more of those.”
On the play, Fautanu was uncovered so he initially helped guard Mason McCormick with his man before turning his attention to Buckner—a former All-Pro and three time Pro Bowl defensive force—on the outside. As seen in the video above, Fautanu clobbered Buckner and knocked him to the ground.
Unfortunately, Buckner was injured during the game and was placed on IR on Friday. Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed the injury occurred during the game in Pittsburgh. Here’s to wishing a speedy recovery to one of the game’s most disruptive forces on the defensive line.
It’s encouraging to see Fautanu making the perfect play in pass protection. His instincts to make an impactful play on a down where he was uncovered and initially helped on a different double team show tons of potential for his pass protection. His attitude that he’s hoping for a lot more plays like that show his confidence is also where it needs to be as he continues to grow and develop.
This week will be another tough test for Fautanu and the Steelers’ offensive line as they match up with the Los Angeles defensive front most notably featuring Khalil Mack. The Chargers also feature in-season trade acquisition Odafe Oweh, a familiar face in Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu who has seven sacks on the season. If Fautanu and company can continue to provide protection for Aaron Rodgers and support the run game enough to provide the balance the offense needs, the Steelers will have a chance in any game they play in.
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