The Steelers offensive line has been decimated this season to the point that the team is considering moving one of the best centers in the game to guard in hopes of improving the overall performance of the offensive line.
According to TribLive.com, the Steelers plan to shift Pouncey to left guard if Willie Colon is unable to play this weekend against the Ravens. Colon was unable to play last weekend against the Browns, and he didn't practice on Wednesday. Colon indicated that the status of his injury is day to day.
The thought process is that by moving Puncey to guard, the Steelers can free up Doug Legursky from guard to his natural position of center, a position he believes he plays far better at than at guard.
According to TribLive, the Steelers practiced in pads on Wednesday, giving Puncey experience at the guard position as well as giving Legursky a refresher course in making offensive line calls. Pouncey seems to believe the move will work out for the Steelers' benefit, saying, "It gave me the opportunity to go out there and get the technique down at guard and … (see) the physicality of it. I will be ready."
Moving Pouncey, likely the best center in the NFL, to guard is a risky move that could definitely backfire on Pittsburgh. Legursky hasn't been calling line assignments in game situations for some time, and if he's a bit rusty, the Ravens could capitalize on some poor calls. With Charlie Batch the likely starter, the Steelers may have to win with their defense.
