Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. has actually had a solid season. Long considered the most criticized member of the offensive line, his performance in the first half of the 2024 season earned respect from Steeler Nation. However, in the Steelers’ Thursday night 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Moore faced significant challenges against star pass rusher Myles Garrett. Garrett dominated with three sacks and a forced fumble, making it a rough outing for the typically reliable tackle.
Moore now has a chance to redeem himself in the Steelers’ Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. This game presents another tough test however, as Moore will likely line up against Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, a relentless pass rusher with a knack for disrupting opposing offenses. Despite his earlier struggles, Moore has shown resilience throughout the season, and the Steelers will need him at his best to protect their quarterback Russell Wilson and establish their offense.
Adding to the pressure, Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. weighed in on Moore’s upcoming challenge. Speaking to the media, Brown highlighted Hendrickson’s skill set and suggested Moore could be in for a tough day.
"It's a combination of things," Brown said. "He has the ability to make all his rushes look and feel the same when you're playing him. He's always relentless. His fundamentals always seem to be on point, never lacking. Truly a special talent. His motor is unlike most. You notice he starts to wear a guy down in the fourth quarter. A lot of rushers these days in the NFL don't necessarily do that. He'll get the sacks on you early and late in a game."
Brown is uniquely familiar with Hendrickson, having faced him daily in practice as teammates. Hendrickson is enjoying another dominant season, already amassing 11.5 sacks in 2024. After a rough outing against Garrett, Moore is eager for redemption.
While some might excuse his struggles against a player of Garrett’s caliber, Hendrickson presents a similarly daunting challenge, making this matchup another major test for Moore.
Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. Must Help Give Russell Wilson Some Time
Moore has exceeded expectations in 2024, playing better than many believed he was capable of. A couple of tough games against elite edge rushers don’t erase his progress, but the pressure is on for him to rebound and protect Wilson. Despite being the offensive lineman most frequently criticized by fans and often mentioned as a trade candidate, Moore continues to solidify his role in the starting lineup through consistent effort and determination.
This game is another opportunity for Moore to prove his value and quiet the doubters. Facing one of the league’s top pass rushers, he will look to show Steeler Nation that he can rise to the occasion. A strong performance against Hendrickson could go a long way in earning the trust of fans and solidifying his place on the Steelers’ offensive line.
When Wilson took over as the starting quarterback, he brought new life to the passing attack with his ability to deliver deep, signature moon balls. However, for those plays to succeed, he needs time in the pocket. It will be crucial for the offensive line to dominate in the trenches and keep Wilson upright in Sunday’s game.
