Steelers unsettled along offensive line

LATROBE, Pa. (AP) — For everything that the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line did right a season ago, there now seems to be a major worry in its place.

Ben Roethlisberger passed for a team-record 32 touchdowns and threw only 11 interceptions, a year after throwing 23. The problem: He was sacked 47 times, giving the offensive line a worrisome 93 sacks allowed in two seasons.

Willie Parker led the NFL in rushing until late in December, and the Steelers have since added first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall to complement him. The problem: The rushing yardage dried up after Parker broke a leg, and the Steelers lost their final two games that he didn’t start.

Roethlisberger and coach Mike Tomlin profess to having considerable trust and faith in the offensive line, traditionally the strength of the offense. But the Steelers are entering the great unknown without All-Pro left guard Alan Faneca.