It’s entirely possible that the Pittsburgh Steelers will enter the 2024 season with two rookie offensive linemen in Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu. However, that’s not a guarantee at this point, as some believe Dan Moore Jr. could earn a starting spot after training camp. However, it’s entirely possible that the two rookies will be the starters.
This reality made me realize how realistic a playoff spot would be with two rookies on the offensive line. And I have to say, the results shocked me. I was sure that would rarely happen, almost unlikely. I was wrong.
In the 24 seasons since 2000, 17 teams have made the playoffs despite starting two rookie linemen in more than half of the games. That’s certainly neither “rare” nor “unlikely.”
Here is the list of the season results:
2004 Chargers (12-4)
2005 Patriots (10-6)
2006 Jets (10-6)
2007 Buccaneers (9-7)
2013 Chargers (9-7)
2014 Colts (11-5)
2014 Panthers (7-8-1)
2015 Chiefs (11-5)
2015 Patriots (12-4), started with three rookies
2016 Dolphins (10-6)
2016 Seahawks (10-5-1)
Colts 2018 (10-6)
2019 Texans (10-6)
2021 Steelers (9-7-1)
2021 Chiefs (12-5), started with three rookies
2022 Chargers (10-7)
2022 Seahawks (9-8)
As you can see, it is not impossible or even unrealistic for an NFL team to make the playoffs if they have two rookies on the offensive line. Incredible, but two teams have made the playoffs that have two rookies on the offensive line. three newcomers front: the Kansas City Chiefs 2021 and the New England Patriots 2015. Of course, it helps when Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady are behind these lines.
The Steelers have already managed to make the playoffs despite starting two rookie offensive linemen, namely Kendrick Green and Dan Moore Jr. in 2021. Looking back, that should allay any fears. If you can make the playoffs with Green and Moore, pretty much anything is possible. Actually… how on earth… whatever. Again, having a Hall of Fame QB in Ben Roethlisberger helps.
This season, the Steelers have a potential Hall of Famer as the projected starter at the quarterback position. If Russell Wilson plays at a high level, it would be a huge advantage for the Steelers in their chance to make the postseason. If they don’t perform well at the quarterback position, it won’t matter much who protects him. The bar is set very low after the last few years of ineptitude at quarterback. Hopefully, Russ can play well with his new team and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. If he can play as well at an advanced age on a new team as Peyton Manning played at an advanced age on a new team, the Steelers might be onto something.
So fear not, Steeler Nation. It’s not a mission impossible to make the playoffs if Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu start the season. It’s happened many times before. The key might be what kind of play they get from the QB position, more than the O-line. I think the big guys up front will play well, even better than last year. They certainly won’t be the reason the Steelers don’t appear in the postseason.
