The Steelers are spending a lot of time working with their offensive line during OTAs, cross training them to be able to play multiple positions. For offensive line coach James Campen, who's been coaching offensive lines for nearly two decades, he loves what he's seeing in how this particular unit is responding to it.
"They're flexible, and they're very willing to go left to right, right to left, put their hand on the ball," Campen said Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "It's always a benefit, and it's also a luxury when you have players that are so adaptable."
Under Mike Tomlin, starters were usually engrained in their spots, with only the reserves being able to bounce around from one position to the next. That's an understandable approach, as Campen attests.
"Sometimes as coaches we take that for granted," Campen said. "At times we'll just say, 'Oh, just go over there and put your left hand down.' Well, try writing left-handed if you're right-handed. It's not as easy as you think."
That being said, the modern NFL game has challenged offensive linemen to be more flexible than ever. Not even the All-Pro players are safe. Just a couple seasons ago, All-Pro guard Joe Thuney moved from guard to tackle during the Chiefs' run to a loss in Super Bowl LIX because of injuries to their primary tackles. That's just one example, but proves that teams will do whatever it takes to have their best five linemen on the field at the same time.
During OTAs, Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick both moved from the right to the left at their respective tackle and guard positions. While this seems like a big change, regardless of the reason, it's actually gone pretty seamlessly. Campen noted Fautanu's starting experience at left tackle in college, and added that McCormick logged nearly 3,000 snaps at left guard in college, too.
"His transition was pretty easy," Campen said of McCormick. "But it takes time. You have to be adaptable and adjustable. They are that."
Campen and the Steelers' coaching staff will continue to train their offensive linemen to be flexible. All of the rostered linemen have been in attendance at OTAs, which are completely voluntary. So, the more time they get to work with these players, the better.
"It's big," Campen said. "It allows you to take other steps and to see how players can adapt to each other and to the system."
THE ASYLUM
Campen praises flexibility on offensive line
The Steelers are spending a lot of time working with their offensive line during OTAs, cross training them to be able to play multiple positions. For offensive line coach James Campen, who's been coaching offensive lines for nearly two decades, he loves what he's seeing in how this particular unit is responding to it.
"They're flexible, and they're very willing to go left to right, right to left, put their hand on the ball," Campen said Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "It's always a benefit, and it's also a luxury when you have players that are so adaptable."
Under Mike Tomlin, starters were usually engrained in their spots, with only the reserves being able to bounce around from one position to the next. That's an understandable approach, as Campen attests.
"Sometimes as coaches we take that for granted," Campen said. "At times we'll just say, 'Oh, just go over there and put your left hand down.' Well, try writing left-handed if you're right-handed. It's not as easy as you think."
That being said, the modern NFL game has challenged offensive linemen to be more flexible than ever. Not even the All-Pro players are safe. Just a couple seasons ago, All-Pro guard Joe Thuney moved from guard to tackle during the Chiefs' run to a loss in Super Bowl LIX because of injuries to their primary tackles. That's just one example, but proves that teams will do whatever it takes to have their best five linemen on the field at the same time.
During OTAs, Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick both moved from the right to the left at their respective tackle and guard positions. While this seems like a big change, regardless of the reason, it's actually gone pretty seamlessly. Campen noted Fautanu's starting experience at left tackle in college, and added that McCormick logged nearly 3,000 snaps at left guard in college, too.
"His transition was pretty easy," Campen said of McCormick. "But it takes time. You have to be adaptable and adjustable. They are that."
Campen and the Steelers' coaching staff will continue to train their offensive linemen to be flexible. All of the rostered linemen have been in attendance at OTAs, which are completely voluntary. So, the more time they get to work with these players, the better.
"It's big," Campen said. "It allows you to take other steps and to see how players can adapt to each other and to the system."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!