The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line was a question mark heading into Week 1. While the unit was expected to be improved from last year, they were relying on a rookie to anchor their line at the center position. Second-round draft pick Zach Frazier quickly alleviated any fears with a standout performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Looking ahead to Week 2 and beyond, Frazier has the potential to be an essential piece to a Pittsburgh offense that needs to keep improving.
How Zach Frazier Can Keep Transforming Steelers Offense
Dominance in the Run Game
Against Atlanta, Frazier was excellent in all aspects of the game, but he especially shined as a run blocker. This should not come as a surprise; Frazier’s college film showed a technically sound run blocker who excels out in space. NFL Analyst Brian Baldinger had fun breaking down all of Frazier’s pancake blocks from Week 1; it seemed like he took to put an opponent on the ground almost every play.
.@steelers @zfrazier54 the only enjoyable part of this offense was seeing how many knockdowns Zach would get. I lost track at 10… Steelers sure knows what a great CENTER looks like. Mike Webster would be proud of Zach's debut @BigDuke50 #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/4fh9FNeQWt
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 11, 2024
Frazier’s performance in the run game is of paramount importance because Arthur Smith’s offense will continue to be built around running the ball. That was the case in Week 1 and it will be the case in Week 2 and every week of the season. Pittsburgh’s offense will go as far as their offensive line, Justin Fields, Najee Harris, and Jaylen Warren will take them.
The Steelers’ run blocking against Atlanta is even more promising when considering Isaac Seumalo missed the game with a pec injury. He was Pittsburgh’s best offensive lineman last year and will be again this year when he returns from injury. So, when Zach Frazier is sandwiched between Seumalo and James Daniels, two very good guards, it’s not hard to imagine continued improvement for Pittsburgh’s rushing attack.
Stay Consistent as a Pass Blocker
While it was no shock to see Zach Frazier excel in the running game in Week 1, it was a pleasant surprise to see Frazier dominate as a pass blocker. That’s not to say the expectation was for him to lay an egg in the passing game; he was a fine pass blocker in college. However, he was not consistently good as a pass blocker. But that is exactly what Frazier did against the Falcons, as he produced a completely clean sheet.
Rookie center Zach Frazier (54) was impressive in his Steelers debut.
In 29 pass pro snaps:
• 0 pressures
• 0 hits
• 0 hurries
• 0 sacksAnd blocks like this in the run⤵️ pic.twitter.com/RDlQalxsrM
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) September 9, 2024
Even though they are not going to be a pass-heavy team, it’s promising to see Frazier so comfortable pass-blocking. Pittsburgh matches up with a lot of high-quality defensive fronts this year. Outside of Jarrett, the Falcons’ interior defensive line is nothing to write home about. So, while the Week 1 performance was a good start, the trajectory will need to continue. When they face off with the likes of the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles, not to mention a gauntlet of divisional games, the Steelers will need to throw the ball effectively.
Whether Justin Fields or Russell Wilson is taking snaps, keeping them upright and in a clean pocket is the first step toward success. Zach Frazier and the rest of the Steelers offensive line showed they are up for the task in Week 1. Whether or not they can continue to have that level of success will define the rest of the Steelers’ season.
Main Photo: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
