For all of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ current offensive warts, there are bright spots. Running back Jaylen Warren has been excellent and should be involved more, especially on third downs. The offensive line has its standouts, too. Center Zach Frazier is putting together an encore performance from a strong rookie year. His tape against the Los Angeles Chargers was solid in all regards.
Grip Strength
Frazier’s grip strength is excellent. Big nose tackles can’t push him into the pocket. So far, only the high-end guys like Vita Vea have given Frazier fits. But the Chargers’ big uglies like No. 99 Jamaree Caldwell and No. 90 Teair Tart couldn’t push the pocket into Aaron Rodgers’ lap.
A couple of clips to show it.
Great posture and grip strength. Keeping his hands inside to hang on even if he starts to fall off, these aren’t easy reps. It’s hard to defend power and bull rushes. Frazier’s tape is as good as it gets in these moments about two wide bodies. He’s kept the depth of the pocket clean for Rodgers.
Screen Game
One rep in space. Frazier and RT Troy Fautanu slabbing undersized linebacker Dayian Henley in space on this TE screen to Pat Freiermuth. The way you’d expect on a smaller guy in space. Fautanu engages first with Frazier, finishing him off.
Stunt Pickup/Eyes
Lastly, a nice job in stunt pickup on this rep. Wide d-tackles indicate games/twists are coming. Frazier slides left, sees No. 90 begin to loop across, and gets his eyes to the right. He picks up No. 92 and twists him down, passing off No. 90 to McCormick. Both do their job well to keep the pocket clean for Rodgers to get this throw off.
Pittsburgh’s offensive line had its issues and took lumps in this game. Frazier had at least one regrettable moment, missing a stunt while trying to give Spencer Anderson help after getting beaten. But Frazier’s game was solid across the board. His snap issues that popped up early in the year have also gone away. Frazier is a steady presence, wise beyond his sophomore NFL season.
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