Max Iheanachor Mike McCarthy
Max Iheanachor Mike McCarthy
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line hasn’t performed well through two weeks of the season. The line had an exceptionally ugly day against the New England Patriots on Sunday. 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times, hit seven total times, and pressured 18 times.
It culminated in an ugly 20-3 loss in Foxborough, dropping Pittsburgh to 1-1.
The offensive line is under fire for the disastrous performance. The noise is getting louder, especially after left tackle Troy Fautanu stated after the game that “something has to change” offensively. There might be some good news on the way for the Black and Gold in the trenches, though.
Speaking with reporters Monday, McCarthy provided an update on rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor’s behind-the-scenes development. Iheanachor could give the offensive line a major boost once he enters the lineup.
“Yeah, Max has taken a step each and every week,” McCarthy said of Iheanachor. “He had a few snaps the other night, so it was good. I thought he had a really good day Thursday in the padded work, the individual work. So, he’s definitely making big steps.
“So it’s getting better.”
Iheanachor probably would have opened the season starting at right tackle, but a training camp injury derailed his bid. That allowed veteran Dylan Cook to start at right tackle. Cook has struggled early in the season in both the run and pass game.
That’s led to calls for Iheanachor to start. After all, the Steelers invested a first-round pick in him, and his ceiling is much higher than Cook’s.
But based on McCarthy’s comments Sunday after the loss and Monday in his press conference, it doesn’t seem like many changes are on the way — at least right now. McCarthy preached continuity and leaning into the concepts. They’re working on establishing more chemistry.
You don’t say that before making drastic changes like inserting a rookie into the starting lineup. That said, Iheanachor played four snaps in the first two games, including the final three offensive snaps on Sunday. He’s clearly gearing up for the starting role, but when he gets it remains to be seen.
Hopefully it’s soon. Because the offensive line has played very poorly early in the season, which has derailed the entire offense.