Steelers News: Is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line overrated?

With the 2019 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2019 season is fast approaching, and the news surrounding the black-and-gold is far from over. As the team now turns their attention to more offseason workouts, OTAs and minicamp, there is no shortage of news.

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how the one aspect of the Pittsburgh Steelers team which rarely gets questioned is the offensive line. But is this position group overrated?

Let’s get to the news:

• Mike Munchak is gone, and now Steelers fans will find out if the success of the offensive line has been because of ‘Magic Mike’, or due to good drafting and keeping the vast majority of a cohesive unit together for the long haul.

Tim Benz: Steelers’ offensive line might not be as impressive as you think

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The Steelers’ offensive line was vilified in Pittsburgh as recently as 2013. Since then, the unit has been rebuilt into what has been perceived to be a constant, consistently high-performing unit beloved by the fan base.

Le’Veon Bell became an All-Pro running back behind that unit. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s sack total dipped from 42 in 2013 to an average of 23 over the five seasons since then.

However, according to what Burke found via the NFL’s Next Gen Stats player-tracking data, 2018 was just an average season for the Steelers’ offensive line when it came to pass protection.

On the surface, Roethlisberger’s 24 sacks were the most since 33 in 2014. Then again, his attempts (699) were a career high. So that translates to a “sacked rate” for Roethlisberger of just 3.43%. Only the Colts’ and Patriots’ offensive lines were better in that category in 2018.

To read the full article, click HERE

• Could a young, undrafted, rookie not just make the Steelers’ roster, but contribute to the team’s defense?

‘Quick learner’ Dravon Askew-Henry versatile enough to contribute to Steelers as rookie

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Dravon Askew-Henry recognizes that the modern NFL safety has a long and varied job description.

The former Aliquippa and West Virginia standout insists he can handle the gig for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

An undrafted free agent signed in the moments after the draft ended late last month, Askew-Henry joins a team that would seem to have an opening for a rookie safety to make the roster. He’ll continue his quest to be that guy when Steelers organized team activities commence next week at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

“I’m versatile; I am gonna do whatever I got to do to make the team win,” Askew-Henry said, before being asked what he’ll be asked to do defensively.

“You got to cover, you’ve got to have a willing to go out there in corner on an island, come in the box to tackle, and I feel like I can do all of that.”

To read the full article, click HERE

• When the Steelers recently signed 5 players after their rookie minicamp, one of the cut players found his way to a rival in the AFC North.

Former Steelers lineman R.J. Prince joins Baltimore Ravens

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost another former player to their biggest division rival.

The Baltimore Ravens on Thursday signed offensive lineman R.J. Prince, who was waived by the Steelers on Monday.

Prince, an undrafted free agent from North Carolina, spent the 2018 season on the Steelers’ practice squad. He was among a group of players let go by the organization earlier this week when five players were signed from the Steelers’ rookie minicamp, including offensive lineman Damian Prince of Maryland.

To read the full article, click HERE

• I still can’t believe people are making such a big deal about this...

Big Ben hosts Steelers’ skill players at lake house

By: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

This is one way to address concerns over team bonding and leadership.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger -- who has stayed quiet this offseason despite criticism from several ex-teammates, including Antonio Brown -- hosted the team’s offensive skill players at his lake house in Georgia this week for some R&R and on-field work.

Several Steelers in attendance posted Instagram videos of teammates, including wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Conner, hanging with Roethlisberger on his boat on Lake Oconee, swimming and walking around his compound.

Roethlisberger has hosted teammates in past years but not in the last few offseasons, in part because Roethlisberger, a father of three, and his wife expanded their family.

To read the full article, click HERE

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