As the NFL season rolls into Week 3 on this September 21, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads. While the defense has been nothing short of stellar, the offensive line has been a glaring weakness, and if left unaddressed, it could derail any hopes of a playoff run. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the front five's performance through two weeks has been abysmal, culminating in a 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2 that exposed every flaw.
Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook: The Weak Links
Sometimes new faces in new roles gel seamlessly; other times, you get the Steelers' offensive line. Right guard Spencer Anderson was particularly dreadful, allowing seven pressures in Week 2—the most by any right guard in the NFL, per Sumer Sports. No other player at his position allowed more than four pressures, and Anderson now sits third in the league in pressures allowed through two weeks. Center Zach Frazier, typically reliable, was also credited with five pressures, though Anderson's struggles surely compounded the issue. Right tackle Dylan Cook hasn't fared much better, surrendering six pressures over two games. The run game has suffered mightily as well: Rico Dowdle has managed just 13 rushing yards on seven carries to the right side, the fifth-worst EPA per rush in the NFL. Jaylen Warren has been slightly better with 37 yards on seven carries, but the duo has a combined eight yards before contact—the worst mark in the league. This level of ineptitude is simply unsustainable.
Coaching Decisions Under Fire
The Steelers' offseason plan for the offensive line raised eyebrows, and now we're seeing why. They moved a rising star right tackle and a quality right guard to the left side for no apparent reason, shifted a former practice squad fill-in to right tackle after he performed well at left tackle, and failed to adequately replace Isaac Seumalo. The result is a discombobulated unit that can't block its way out of a wet paper bag. Under the previous regime, such issues lingered for weeks. But if new head coach Mike McCarthy wants to prove things will be different, he must ensure Anderson and Cook don't start in Week 3. It's the morning after game day, and your concerns are absolutely justified.
Germie Bernard: A Bright Spot
Amid the gloom, rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard provided a spark. Entering Week 2, his counterpart Roman Wilson had just one career game with four or more receptions; Bernard matched that in his second game. Aaron Rodgers found him three times on a promising drive that ended in a sack and knocked Pittsburgh out of field goal range. Bernard did have a late blunder, a ball bouncing off his chest for an interception, but the game was already decided. We need to see more of No. 17 on the field going forward.
Defense Continues to Dominate
Through two games, the Steelers' defense has been elite. They've allowed just 26 points, forced four turnovers, and lead the NFL in defensive EPA per play. Their pass defense is the best in the league by efficiency, allowing -0.5 EPA per pass, and they rank third in defensive pass success rate. T.J. Watt has 3.5 sacks—he had seven all of last season—and currently sits second in the NFL behind only Greg Rousseau of the Buffalo Bills. Among edge rushers with at least 25 snaps, Watt and Alex Highsmith rank No. 1 and No. 2 in sack percentage. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has already proven a massive upgrade over Teryl Austin.
The Path Forward
The defense is holding up its end, but the offense is holding back any potential of Pittsburgh being a real competitor. If they can fix the offensive line and become even a mediocre offense, they can win games. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the time for changes is now. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to bookmark Vulius for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more.
Looking to represent Isaac Seumalo? Grab your Isaac Seumalo jersey or design a personalized Custom NFL Jersey at Vulius.
