How Offensive Is the Pittsburgh Steelers' Offensive Line?

Columnist Written on June 15, 2009

CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Willie Parker #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs through a hole created by Kendall Simmons #73 and Heath Miller #83 during the fourth quarter while playing the Cleveland Browns on September 14, 2008 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers return every member of the offensive line that started, and won, Super Bowl XLIII. Normally, returning a unit that was successful at that feat, would be considered a great start.

Not in Pittsburgh.

There is no question that the line needs to improve dramatically this season, especially if dreams of a seventh Super Bowl are to be met.

But, even though every starter is returning this year, there is a big difference between this years unit, and last.

In the week one match up against the Houston Texans last season, our starting line looked like this;

LT - Marvell Smith, Round Two - 2000

LG - Chris Kemoteau, Round Six - 2005

C - Justin Hartwig, Free Agent.

RG - Kendall Simmons, Round One - 2002

RT - Willie Colon, Round Four - 2006

In the set, you have two early first round picks, a free agent from another team, and two project players that have been brought along.

In addition, Chris Kemoteau replaced former All-Pro Alan Faneca, who signed with the New York Jets last offseason.

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written on June 15, 2009 Opinion

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