The Steelers rushed for 152 yards on 42 carries in a 24-16 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in their second pre-season contest last Thursday night. It was the second week in a row the offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage and dominated the opposing defensive front.
Yes, it’s the pre-season. No, the Steelers have not faced a starting-caliber defensive front yet. The caveats are obvious. Still, there has been a significant shift in the tone, demeanor and performance of the big guys up front. A unit that was labeled “soft” by some after finishing last in the league in rushing in 2020 has transformed under the tutelage of new line coach Adrian Klemm into a group determined to knock opposing defenses off of the ball.