The Pittsburgh Steelers have significantly reshaped their lineup during the 2025 season, giving fans new hope after years of struggle. Central to their rebuilding effort is the offense, particularly the offensive line, which will play a crucial role in determining the team’s success moving forward. With offensive coordinator Arthur Smith prioritizing a strong running game, the effectiveness of this group is more vital than ever.
Beyond the running attack, the offensive line carries extra weight due to the condition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Given Rodgers’s age and limited mobility, reliable pass protection is essential to allow him time and security in the pocket. This makes the development of right tackle Troy Fautanu a major point of focus for the Steelers as they approach the 2025 season.
TJ Watt’s Role in Building Confidence for Troy Fautanu
Troy Fautanu, the Steelers’ 2024 first-round pick, is returning from a difficult 2024 season marked by knee injuries that sidelined him early on. Despite appearing in only one game last year—a Week 2 victory over the Denver Broncos—Fautanu showed promise in his limited time on the field. Now in his second year, the young tackle is working hard to regain full confidence and mobility in his knee.
At a recent gathering in Latrobe, TJ Watt, Pittsburgh’s star defender, spoke about his efforts to help Fautanu improve during training camp. Watt explained how he actively challenges Fautanu, using a variety of pass-rush moves to push the young player and build his trust in the injured knee.
“He’s a very quick tackle,” Watt said. “Very athletic. He can recover really well. I think he’s just getting his confidence under him. I’m trying to give him a myriad of things, where I can bull rush him to get his confidence in that knee.”
—TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers Defender
Watt’s daily intensity and experience make him the perfect practice opponent. Since he often faces right tackles during games, he replicates the toughest competition Fautanu will encounter, preparing the tackle for the variety of pass rushers in the NFL.
Health and Growth Key to Fautanu’s Potential Impact
If Fautanu remains healthy throughout 2025, the coaching staff believes he has the potential to be one of Pittsburgh’s top offensive linemen. His athleticism and toughness, coupled with the rigorous preparation against Watt, set him up for a breakout season. Watt’s commitment to testing him every day on the practice field is aimed at transforming Fautanu into a dependable protector for Rodgers.
Throughout training camp, reports from Latrobe indicate that Fautanu is impressing coaches and teammates alike. Watt noted that his own focus during camp is less about honing his personal techniques and more about helping Fautanu sharpen his skills and build resilience.
Concerns and Hope Surrounding Broderick Jones at Left Tackle
While optimism grows around Fautanu, questions remain about left tackle Broderick Jones. The third-year player recently returned to his natural position on the left side of the offensive line after a period of struggle, and his adjustment remains underway. Although his reports from Latrobe have been mixed, Jones’s potential remains intact, and the Steelers hope he can develop into a solid anchor on the line.
The progress of both tackles will influence how well Pittsburgh’s offense performs in 2025, especially given the vital role the line must play to support Rodgers’s style and Smith’s scheme.
What This Means for the Steelers’ 2025 Offensive Outlook
Enhancing the offensive line’s performance could be the key to revitalizing the Steelers’ offense after recent seasons of inconsistency. Troy Fautanu’s development, driven by the challenging practice environment fostered by TJ Watt, represents a strategic and somewhat unexpected method to accelerate growth. With the offensive line more secure, Aaron Rodgers will gain the protection needed for longer plays and a more balanced attack.
As the Steelers continue to mesh their revamped roster, the offensive line’s progress will be critical to future success. Should the young tackles, particularly Fautanu, meet expectations, Pittsburgh’s offense could take a significant leap forward in the 2025 campaign, fueling renewed optimism throughout the franchise and its fan base.