The Pittsburgh Steelers brought Mike Munchak in as their new offensive-line coach this off-season to improve an area of the team's offense that was brimming with potential, yet still hadn't reached its full potential.
This offensive line was built with first- and second-round picks that have shown improvement throughout the 2014 season, but pass-protection continues to be an issue.
The Steelers' offensive line has allowed Ben Roethlisberger to be sacked 30 times this season, which is tied for 11th among all NFL teams. On top of the 30 sacks surrendered in 2014, the Steelers allowed the Tennessee Titans to sack Roethlisberger five times in the Week 11 victory before their bye-week.
According to offensive coordinator Todd Haley, the offensive line's issues are not schematic, but based on communication.
"We just need to be better in protection," Haley told Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Most of it was execution and being on the same page. If nothing else, we harped hard on making sure backs, tight ends, the line, we're all thinking the same way. When we do that, we all feel pretty good about our ability to protect."
Coming off of a bye-week, the Steelers' offensive line has had plenty of time to rectify any communication issues that have been plaguing the unit this season. Munchak's fingerprint on the offensive line has been evident in 2014, but consistency has been an issue from Day 1.
Not all sacks can be attributed to the offensive line but, if the line is able to give Roethlisberger time to throw the football, he can shred any defense.
The New Orleans Saints are the next opponent looking to get after Roethlisberger, and if the Steelers can keep the pressure off of No. 7, they might be on their way to a victory at Heinz Field, moving their record to 8-4.