Steelers offensive line showed flashes of dominance during loss to Giants

But it didn't feel much like 2012, either.

The Steelers offensive line ran well during one drive, led by LaRod Stephens-Howling. The manner in which they'll run this season was apparent, and a few of those runs saw the athletic Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro down field getting blocks on the second level.

Those are the kinds of plays that produce big yards. On this drive, the Steelers chipped away, and moved down the field.

In fact, if not for a dropped screen pass by Jonathan Dwyer, who subbed in for Stephens-Howling on that play, they could have had more. Fullback Will Johnson was downfield with Pouncey and DeCastro, and with tight end David Paulson having sealed off his guy, Dwyer very well could have gone for 10 or more yards on the play without having been touched.

Preseason is a good time to iron out those kinds of mistakes - Dwyer didn't appear to secure the ball before turning to square his shoulders and get up the field. Had he done that, though, it would have been a big gain.

Both for Dwyer and the confidence of an improving offense line that showed athleticism and balance - something they lacked as a group last season.

More from Behind the Steel Curtain:

• Steelers Postgame News and Analysis
• Woods gets high grade from PFF
• Polamalu accepts blame for Cruz's touchdown
• "The Standard ... is the standard"
• Polamalu: Steelers lost camaraderie in 2012
• Dallas Clark is a tight end, Steelers need a tight end
• Bruce Gradkowski homecoming shows Steelers are stable with their primary back-up
• Steelers rookie report card after 18-13 loss to Giants
• Steelers back-up quarterbacks fail to impress
• Steelers emphasized short passing game in preseason opener
• Steelers Injury Report: Spaeth had surgery, Sylvester listed day-to-day
• Steelers Roster Bubble: Linebacker, running back got a lot more competitive
• LaRod Stephens-Howling shows he belongs
• Al Woods named Steelers Digest Player of the Game in loss to Giants
• Projecting the Steelers 53-man roster following loss to Giants in first week of preseason

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