Steelers News: Change is inevitable in the NFL, and that includes the Steelers’ offensive line

It has been a one-of-a-kind offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. With the start of training camp now behind us, it looks like we’ll have to wait until opening weekend to see the Steelers take the field. Just because the NFL has cancelled the preseason doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how change is a fact of life in the NFL, and that includes along the Steelers’ offensive line.

Let’s get to the news:

• The offensive line is an ever-changing thing, and the Steelers’ group is no different.

Tim Benz: David DeCastro understands O-line changes for 2020, braces for more in ’21

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Amidst two years of non-playoff results, significant injury and roster tumult on the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, one thing has remained relatively steady.

The offensive line.

Change is coming in 2020, however. Alejandro Villanueva will remain as the left tackle. Center Maurkice Pouncey and right guard David DeCastro will look to follow up Pro Bowl seasons on the interior as well.

But with Ramon Foster retiring at left guard, Matt Feiler will switch to that position. Either Chukwuma Okorafor or Zach Banner will take over Feiler’s right tackle spot. Longtime center/guard backup B.J. Finney went to Seattle via free agency. So the Steelers signed veteran journeyman Stefen Wisniewski to fill that void. And they drafted guard Kevin Dotson in the fourth round.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Vince Williams knows what it means to be a linebacker for the Steelers.

Camp Blog: All the news from Week 1

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

‘It’s Blitzburgh here’: Last week defensive coordinator Keith Butler made it clear that Vince Williams would be seeing more snaps in 2020 than he did in 2019, with his natural ability as a communicator just one of the reasons why his presence is needed.

Williams’ snaps dropped last season after the team drafted Devin Bush in the first round and added Mark Barron. But Barron is gone, and now it’s Williams and Bush who will be the go-to guys at inside linebacker this year.

“I tell Devin all the time that middle linebackers are vocal communicators in the middle of the field,” said Williams. “The more you make calls, the more comfortable you get with it, the more people get confidence in you making those calls. He is just taking it in stride, watching me, seeing how I do things and learning.

“Devin is making tremendous strides. Just in the small detail like things. For example, he has a nice little system that he is working with. He comes in the building at a consistent time every day. Those are things that you don’t really see from a young guy that doesn’t really have a formula for success. But I am starting to see that he is starting to develop that, and I think he is going to get better with it.”

While Williams is singing Bush’s praises, he doesn’t like to talk much about his own stellar play. A former sixth-round draft pick in 2013, Williams has become a dependable force on the defense, playing with a chip on his shoulder that gives him the perfect edge. He sets his own expectations high. He also doesn’t spend time focusing on what others say, including if there is a misconception that coverage is not one of his strengths.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Training Camp at Heinz Field sure does look different compared to what Saint Vincent College provides to players.

Steelers’ Joe Haden shows off the suite life at Heinz Field training camp

By: Brooke Pryor, ESPN

In a normal year, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be living in dorms and practicing on fields at St. Vincent College about an hour away from Pittsburgh in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

But with the coronavirus pandemic forcing all NFL teams to hold their training camps at home, the Steelers are learning that camp at Heinz Field can be pretty, ahem, sweet.

Players are spending their downtime in the stadium suites. Veterans have their own suites, while the younger guys are sharing their space with one other player.

Cornerback Joe Haden gave fans a couple of glimpses into his setup on his Instagram story on Wednesday and Thursday.

“I ain’t gonna lie, I got so much love for Latrobe, but training camp in the stadium is so much better,” Haden said on video as he opened the door to his suite Wednesday.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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Steven Nelson wants to be the best in the NFL in 2020

Cameron Sutton expected to have an expanded role this year

Is Stephon Tuitt the answer to the Steelers’ defensive questions?

The Steelers’ offense doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel this year

Just Layne is back off the Reserved/COVID list

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