Dylan Cook Steelers offensive line
Dylan Cook Steelers offensive line
The Steelers’ biggest position battles entering this offseason were along the offensive line. And those battles aren’t necessarily over. While Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook have run with the first-team unit throughout, they are still being contested. With just one preseason game remaining, time is running out—at least for the start of the regular season.
“Yeah, there’s still competition”, Steelers OC Brian Angelichio said about the offensive line, via the team’s website. “We’re three weeks away, and that’ll continue to be [what] we’ll work through. Where it goes, I think that’ll be decided here in the next couple weeks”.
Notably, Angelichio’s comments about the offensive line followed a game in which their two rookies on the offensive line did not play. First-round OT Max Iheanachor has missed both preseason games, while third-round OG Gennings Dunker missed Friday’s contest. The latter seems less likely to be in the mix. While the former will almost certainly start eventually, however, time is quickly running out for Week 1.
But with neither Dylan Cook nor Broderick Jones playing particularly well, the door has to be open for a change on the Steelers’ offensive line at right tackle in the near future. Whether that is in time for Week 1 or shortly thereafter, Iheanachor will be waiting for his first opportunity.
A change at right guard does seem less likely, even if Spencer Anderson hasn’t been the new David DeCastro. The Steelers have used Brock Hoffman a bit along the starting offensive line. However, he may also be the top backup center, and Ryan McCollum looks more likely to win up on the practice squad. The team has worked with cross-training LG Mason McCormick at center, as well. But, generally, you don’t want your top backup at one position to be a starter at another. Especially not your top center. It’s easier if your starting center is your backup guard, as happened with Maurkice Pouncey, but not vice versa.
With Jones struggling, though, it seems that the best chance for a change on the Steelers’ offensive line is for a rapid recovery from Max Iheanachor. If he can return to the field for the final preseason game, there is at least a chance. And even if he isn’t ready by Week 1, he could start at any point during the year.
Dylan Cook earned a lot of favor thanks to his play late last season when he filled in for Broderick Jones at left tackle following a season-ending neck injury. He hasn’t looked quite as promising this offseason lining up at right tackle. But he may still be their best available option for now, and could settle down in-season.
But Iheanachor is the obvious starter of the future, the only question being how soon the future begins. Had he not suffered an injury in training camp, he seemed likely to be on track for Week 1. Until we know more about his condition, however, the clock is paused.