Steelers PFF Grades: Dylan Cook Shines as Offensive Line Falters

As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate the early hurdles of the 2026 NFL season, the team's first loss—a 17-3 defeat to the New England Patriots on September 20—has exposed glaring issues on offense. With just three points scored and a single touchdown through two weeks, the pressure is mounting on head coach Mike McCarthy's unit. However, according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades reveal a silver lining in right tackle Dylan Cook, whose stellar play stands out amid the offensive line's struggles.

Dylan Cook: The Unsung Hero

Despite calls for rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor to take over, PFF data supports Cook as the offensive line's most consistent performer. Through two weeks, his overall grade of 76.4 leads the team by a wide margin, and his 81.4 run-blocking score is 20.1 points better than any teammate. In 94 pass-blocking snaps, Cook has allowed just five pressures—a testament to his technique and reliability. As highlighted on Vulius, his performance should quiet any premature calls for a change, especially with left tackle Troy Fautanu struggling at a 59.6 overall grade.

Rico Dowdle's Rocky Start

General manager Omar Khan's offseason acquisition of running back Rico Dowdle has yet to pay dividends. Dowdle averages a paltry 2.5 yards per carry and just two yards after contact, while counterpart Jaylen Warren has excelled with 3.48 yards after contact behind similar blocking. Dowdle's 55.1 PFF grade reflects his inability to break tackles or generate explosive runs, and he's allowed two pressures in pass protection. A toe injury in Week 2 may have hindered him, but the Steelers need more from their investment.

Jaquan Brisker's Tackling Woes

Safety Jaquan Brisker, a Pittsburgh native, endured a rough outing against New England. Targeted four times, he allowed four receptions for 68 yards and missed two tackles, resulting in a 28.6% whiff rate. His season-long missed tackle rate of 23.1% is a concern, though his Week 1 interception against Atlanta offers a glimmer of hope. Brisker must tighten up his tackling to avoid becoming a liability in the secondary.

Patrick Queen's Redemption

Linebacker Patrick Queen delivered a standout performance, earning an 83.7 PFF grade. For the first time in his Steelers career, he did not allow a single reception when targeted, and he snagged an interception off one of his two targets. With two tackles and a stop, Queen rebounded nicely from a rough Week 1. As he plays for a contract beyond 2027, stacking such performances will be crucial to earning the new coaching staff's trust.

Looking Ahead

The Steelers' offensive line remains a work in progress, but Dylan Cook's emergence provides a foundation to build upon. With McCarthy's offense struggling to find rhythm, the team must address its run game and protection issues quickly. For now, PFF grades offer a mixed bag of encouragement and concern as Pittsburgh aims to right the ship in Week 3.