The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a bounce-back effort against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday. They were able to achieve it, thanks in part to their offensive line. That’s a group Aaron Rodgers was proud of, speaking after the Steelers’ 27-22 win.
“I thought the pass protection was excellent,” Rodgers said via Steelers.com. “The line really gave me a lot of time today. There were some extensions, I kind of got out of a couple potential sacks, but for the most part it was a super clean day. So that’s a good day, good feeling tonight.”
The line wasn’t perfect. Especially in the Steelers’ run game, which was essentially lifeless. They picked up just 34 rushing yards on the day, with Kenneth Gainwell having just 15 and Jaylen Warren just 13. That was something the Ravens were able to shut down throughout the game.
However, the line did do an excellent job of shutting down the Ravens’ unremarkable pass rush. Baltimore had just 19 sacks on the season coming into the game, and the line was able to protect Rodgers.
He wasn’t sacked at all, which is the first time since Week 7 that has happened. It was also just the fourth time his year the Steelers have achieved that feat. There was one instance in which he went down in the backfield after catching his own batted ball, but that was the only time the Ravens were able to bring him down behind the line.
The Steelers’ offense lack of explosiveness in recent weeks has been an issue. Throughout the season the Steelers have looked to get rid of the ball quickly, and Rodgers just hasn’t been comfortable behind the offensive line. But that changed in a big way in Baltimore. For the first time in quite awhile, Rodgers looked to extend plays and was comfortable sitting in the pocket.
More impressively, the line was doing it shorthanded. Dylan Cook had to enter the game after LT Andrus Peat went down injured, and he was already filling in for Broderick Jones.
“I thought Cookie stepped in and played really well. Obviously we gave him a little help on the first couple of [plays]. But proud of him for stepping in,” Rodgers said.
Peat is dealing with a concussion, so Cook may be in line for reps in the near future. It was a small sample size from him, but he did a solid job.
Things will need to be better against the run going forward. But the Steelers’ offensive line gave us plenty to be excited about when it comes to pass protection. It will be vital to repeat those performances as the regular season comes to a close.
