Aaron Rodgers was the least-pressured quarterback in the entire league in Week 5 against the Colts. That’s a massive stat for a Steelers offense trying to keep their winning streak alive heading into Tampa Bay on Sunday. With two receivers currently down, this kind of protection is crucial, especially when Jaylen Warren has been excellent and Germie Bernard has a huge opportunity to step up. Rodgers will always try to get the ball out quickly, and that helps, but this Week 5 performance demands a closer look.
The Numbers Tell a Story, But Which One?
So, what’s really going on with this offensive line in 2026? According to Football Insights, some of the highest allowed pressure percentages so far this season are coming from left tackle (21.7%), right guard (20%), and right tackle (21.7%). Yeah, the chart also assigns some blame to the quarterback (15%) and others like tight ends or running backs in blitz pickup (8.3%), but those positional numbers are still high. Individually, Troy Fantanu has given up a team-high 13 pressures, seven hurries, five QB hits, and a sack. Mason McCormick isn’t far behind with the second-most pressures (ten), four hurries, three QB hits, and a team-high three sacks. It hasn’t been pretty for large stretches of the season.
From Struggle to Stellar: Can They Keep It Up?
Given those stats, how did Aaron Rodgers manage to be the least-pressured quarterback in Week 5? The Steelers’ offensive line clearly had a phenomenal outing against the Colts. It shows what this group is capable of when they click. But the question is, can they replicate it? The individual struggles from Fantanu and McCormick, along with the high pressure percentages at key positions, stand in stark contrast to that Sunday’s performance. The team needs this kind of play to continue if they want to keep getting the results we saw in Week 5, especially as they march toward a postseason berth.
The Steelers are headed to Tampa Bay on Sunday. If they want to keep those winning ways going, the offensive line absolutely has to play like they did against the Colts. Every snap will matter.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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