Maurkice Pouncey Praises Max Iheanachor's Impressive First Start at Right Tackle

A Rookie Steps Up When It Mattered

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed answers after a rough Week 2 showing against the Patriots, and rookie right tackle Max Iheanachor delivered one in his first career start. The Arizona State product helped anchor a much-improved offensive line in Pittsburgh's Week 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and the tape caught the attention of a Steelers legend.

Maurkice Pouncey, the franchise's longtime All-Pro center, broke down Iheanachor's performance on the Deebo & Joe podcast and came away impressed. "His pass rush looked amazing," Pouncey said. "For him, to hold his hands like that and not punch too early. I'm like, 'Okay, he's got it figured out a little bit.'"

The Draft Day Story Behind the Pick

Pouncey also revealed he wasn't initially sold on the selection. He admitted he wanted the Steelers to take receiver Makai Lemon before the team pivoted to Iheanachor instead. "We all try to play general manager and owner of the team whenever the draft comes," Pouncey said. "But you're right, I didn't know enough of the kid, I didn't see him. So I was really shocked on draft day."

That shock has since turned into respect, and Pouncey isn't the only Steelers alum buying in. Former linebacker James Harrison said he was high on Iheanachor from the start, crediting a tip from ex-Steeler Hines Ward, who now coaches at Arizona State. According to Harrison, Ward called Iheanachor "a quintessential Steeler" because of his coachability, desire, and upside — the kind of traits that tend to translate well in Pittsburgh's locker room.

Why the Delay Made Sense

Iheanachor's path to a starting job wasn't instant. A training camp injury sidelined him for Pittsburgh's first two preseason games, and combined with his relative newness to football, the Steelers eased him in slowly. Dylan Cook served as a placeholder at right tackle early in the season while Iheanachor recovered and got up to speed. That patience appears to be paying early dividends.

What to Watch Going Forward

One strong start doesn't make a season, but for a Steelers offensive line that's been searching for stability, Iheanachor's debut is an encouraging sign. If he continues developing the hand technique and pass-rush instincts that impressed Pouncey, Pittsburgh could have found a long-term answer at right tackle from a draft class that initially left even franchise legends scratching their heads.