Maurkice Pouncey’s second snap sailed past quarterback Mason Rudolph and was returned 25 yards for a touchdown.

The running game generated 42 yards and averaged just 1.6 yards per carry. Rudolph was sacked a season-high three times, including once for a safety. Two lineman were flagged for holding, another for a false start.

In a game that featured a reconfigured offensive line for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was anything but a smooth performance against the Los Angeles Rams.

But when the final score read Steelers 17, Rams 12, all of the mistakes and missteps were forgiven.

“Overall, it was really good,” Pouncey said. “I’m proud of the guys.”

With Ramon Foster missing a second consecutive game because of a concussion and the Rams bringing two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald into Heinz Field, the Steelers shuffled two spots up front.

Matt Feiler moved from right tackle to left guard. Chuks Okorafor made his second career start at right tackle. B.J. Finney, who had replaced Foster the previous week against Indianapolis, went to the bench.

“We just wanted to get the best pass-protecting group out there,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “Essentially, we had three tackles out there. Matt Feiler is a very capable guard, but he has been standing up at tackle. He is a good pass protector. We thought that was the best mix under the circumstances to give us a chance.”

The line, which has allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL this season, gave up three for the first time this season.

Will the Steelers go back to their regular alignment Thursday against the Cleveland Browns? That depends on whether Foster can return from his concussion.

“Hell yeah. He’s an 11-year vet,” Pouncey said. “Absolutely.”

In his first start since last November in Denver, Okorafor was called for holding in the first quarter but settled down. At times, he had help from Zach Banner, who occasionally lined up next to him as a blocking tight end.

“Chuks is a talented, athletic player,” guard David DeCastro said. “I think he did pretty good.”

The biggest adjustment was made by Feiler, who moved to the interior for the first time in the regular season since 2017.

“It’s hard to transfer from tackle to guard, and he did a hell of a job,” Pouncey said.

The biggest mistake was made by the most tenured member that took the field against the Rams. Pouncey’s errant snap put the Steelers into a 7-0 hole just 14 seconds into the game. It was the only touchdown the Rams scored.

“I just tried to fire off,” he said. “It was a little high. Great thing, the defense. I spotted the L.A. Rams seven points, and they helped me out.”

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)