Pittsburgh Steelers fans have long been critical of tackle Dan Moore Jr., who was drafted by the team in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite being a consistent starter on the offensive line since his arrival, Moore has faced skepticism from many who question his role as a starter. Supporters of Moore, including various Steelers pundits, have frequently defended him and highlighted his contributions to the line.
Nevertheless, the fan base remains unconvinced, demanding nothing short of exceptional performance to change their perception. The initial impression of Moore among Steelers fans has been less than favorable, making it essential for him to deliver standout performances to shift opinions.
In Week 1 of the 2024 season, Moore rose to the occasion against the Atlanta Falcons. He turned in an impressive performance that showcased his value to the team. Pro Football Focus awarded Moore a pass protection grade of 88.7, ranking him as the third-best offensive lineman in pass protection for the week. Additionally, Moore received an overall grade of 75.4, with a run-blocking grade of 67.
This performance was a significant step toward earning the respect and confidence of Steelers fans, who had been critical of him. Moore's ability to perform at a high level in a key matchup against the Falcons has demonstrated his value and provided a solid foundation for shifting the narrative surrounding his role with the team.
During his Tuesday press conference, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin delivered some slightly concerning news regarding Moore's health. Tomlin mentioned that Moore might be limited in practice this week due to some ankle swelling. Despite this setback, Steelers fans remain hopeful that Moore can continue to build on his impressive Week 1 performance and maintain his role as a starter.
The Steelers have clearly committed to bolstering their offensive line. In the 2023 NFL Draft, they traded up to select Broderick Jones. They continued this trend in the 2024 NFL Draft by using their first-round pick to choose Troy Fautanu and their second-round pick on center Zach Frazier. Additionally, they added another offensive lineman, Mason McCormick, in the fourth round. These moves reflect the team’s dedication to strengthening their offensive line for the future.
The Steelers were anticipated to have an improved offensive line for the 2024 season, and that promise was evident in their Week 1 matchup against the Falcons. Frazier, making his first career start, showcased his potential despite a shaky beginning. Although he struggled with a bad snap early on, Frazier quickly settled in and delivered a dominant performance.
Steelers' Offensive Line Still Not At Full Health
Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of Fautanu, who has been sidelined by an injury. Fautanu was expected to start in Week 1, but his injury altered those plans. While he was active for the game against the Falcons, he did not see any playing time. The Steelers remain optimistic about his possible return to the starting lineup and are keen to see what he can contribute once he’s fully healthy.
Isaac Seumalo is the Steelers' top offensive lineman, but he's been sidelined with an injury. He’s expected to return in a couple of weeks, and his full recovery and return to the starting lineup would be a significant boost for the team. Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting the moment their offensive line is at full strength.
Although the offensive line has faced challenges, Moore's performance against the Falcons was encouraging. His strong showing in Week 1 is a promising sign, and there’s hope he can continue to build on that performance throughout the season. Moore is beginning to change the narrative surrounding his role and capabilities, and his development will be crucial as the Steelers strive for a dominant offensive line.
