Because their last offensive line rotation went so well (just kidding, it didn’t), the Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to rotate two of their guards in Week 4 to fill the Isaac Seumalo void for another week.
Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, rookie Mason McCormick will get the start at left guard, but Spencer Anderson, who started the first three games in place of Seumalo, will rotate in during the contest.
The Steelers previously did this at right tackle in Week 2 with Broderick Jones and rookie Troy Fautanu. The result was Jones being a disaster and committing three penalties in one drive before he was benched.
McCormick saw 12 snaps at left guard last week — and 13 as an extra lineman — in place of Anderson and didn’t give up any pressures while posting a Pro Football Focus pass protection grade of 82.6. His run-blocking grade wasn’t as impressive, coming in at a 52.0.
Rookie Mason McCormick will start at left guard today vs Colts. Spencer Anderson will rotate in.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) September 29, 2024
There is nothing wrong with giving McCormick a longer look, but the approach of rotating offensive linemen continues to be baffling. It’s extremely difficult for any player — let alone an offensive lineman — to get into a rhythm when they’re constantly in and out of the game.
Thankfully, it looks like Seumalo is close to returning after he was back at practice this week, so this option may not be one come next week. And, with the injury to Fautanu, head coach Mike Tomlin and Co. must be devastated they won’t have anyone to rotate in and out at yet another position.
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