Depending upon how you view things, the offensive line has the least direct influence on the success or failure of the offense. They don’t pass the ball. They don’t run the ball. They don’t catch the ball. Their role as blockers is critical, absolutely essential, for the offense to function, but they can’t make anybody throw a good spiral, win a route, or find the right hole.
So while the Pittsburgh Steelers offense might not be coming off its best game—Matt Feiler in particular struggled—they bring an interesting perspective when the unit is not going well. And it helps that it’s a group full of veterans as well, like Ramon Foster, who can always be counted on for a good interview.
“It’s not like we’re out here just getting blown out and it’s a poop show”, he told Jeremy Fowler after the game, following their 24-20 loss in the last two minutes to the San Francisco 49ers. “What we’re dealing with right now is finding our identity. That takes some time sometimes”.
Steelers OG Ramon Foster: “It’s not like we’re out here just getting blown out and it’s a poop show. What we’re dealing with right now is finding our identity. That takes some time sometimes.” Added he’s “all in on this year with Mason and that’s just how we’re gonna live.”
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 23, 2019
In the first start of Mason Rudolph’s career, the Steelers did hold the lead for most of the game, including a 6-3 edge at halftime, then a 13-10 advantage, and ultimately a margin of 20-17 before the 49ers finally had the last say in the scoreboard leapfrog affair.
Last week, as well, the Steelers ultimately lost to the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 28-26. They had a chance to come back, bringing the score to that margin with 5:34 left to play, but the defense was never able to get the ball back. They also led at halftime in that game.
While the results continue to be the same, Pittsburgh is getting closer and closer to reaching its goal since being blown out and embarrassed in the opener, which is simply winning a game. Their best opportunity will come on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Truth be told, their first three opponents were a gauntlet. After three weeks, they’re collectively 5-1, with the Seahawks yesterday only losing to the New Orleans Saints, 33-27. And two of those games were on the road. That was arguably the toughest stretch on the entire schedule.
Foster maintained that he is “all in on this year with Mason and that’s just how we’re gonna live”, regarding the remainder of the season. Starter Ben Roethlisberger, of course, is on the Reserve/Injured List and will soon have surgery on his throwing elbow, so it’s not as though there is any alternative.
Nevertheless, it’s important that it be said, and that it be heard. This is still a team that is very much together, a group that will weather the storm as a unit, together, no matter what happens.
