by Bo Marchionte
Twitter @BoMarchionte

Not matter what you do in your everyday life, the coronavirus somehow or some way has altered your habitual daily routine. The residue of COVID-19 had probably stained most of the intricate little things you adored most before society was punched in the mouth earlier this year.

However, there is always a silver lining. Something we can take from the garbage heap of 2020 and perhaps use it to our advantage when we eagerly celebrate the new year.

For Steelers offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett, it might in fact be technology. Zoom is now the way to get close as NFL COVID-19 protocols restrict the inner action of players and coaches.

“The virtual part has been great for us coaches,” Sarrett said. He explained that “just the aspect of learning the technology,” leaves so many more opportunities to connect for players and for coaches.

Pittsburgh is off to their best start in the history of the storied franchise with an 8-0 mark, coinciding with the best record in the National Football League.

The offensive line has allowed the second fewest sacks in the league (10), and as most of Steelers Nation know, keeping Ben Roethlisberger protected is the key essential to a deep run in the playoffs.

Doing that has not been easy but Sarrett has made it look that way.

Pittsburgh has had seven different starters along the offensive line, losing Zach Banner in the opener along with recently released Stefen Wisniewski, that paved the way for Chukwuma Okorafor and rookie Kevin Dotson (best player I saw at East-West Shrine Game – Check the tape) to contribute. The addition absence of All-Pro David DeCastro for three games has made Sarrett maximize every tool available.

Sleds, blocking dummies and the IT department have become significant devices to help Sarrett keep this line up to par.

Sarrett suggested that next spring these virtual meetings can help the team with dialogue that may have been uncommunicated in previous years. This was an untapped resource that we have instantly become dependent on immensely.

“Like in the offseason in your normal spring training,” Sarrett said. “If something happened on film, you could get him on that setting in the DVSport 360 and you can talk to him.”

Now rather drive to the South Side to the facility, Sarrett can simply text players or coaches and help discuss film or anything related to enhancing the chances of Pittsburgh being better prepared for their next opponent.

“I think that’s been awesome for us, “Sarrett said. “It allows coaches to do it as well. I am sitting at home during the spring and I want to talk to my other coaches. I got something on film. I can text them and all get on that system. We can talk about stuff.”

Sarrett is embracing the new technology with ideas already developing in his mind on how to incorporate into their plans for next season.

The virtual settings have been an enormous way for Sarrett to keep up with the changing times and embracing the technology. He is already developing ideas in his mind on how to incorporate it into their plans for next season.

“I think it’s been great,” Sarrett said.

Maybe not greater than the dimly lit confines of the film room, but we can all hope.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt