The Atlanta Falcons will be playing their third-string quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. That makes it seem like Pittsburgh’s defense doesn’t have too big of a challenge in Week 1. However, the Falcons’ offense shouldn’t be overlooked. Running back Bijan Robinson is a problem, and the Steelers’ defensive line will need to be on its toes against him. Former Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks challenged Yahya Black in particular to show improvement this week, specifically in how high he plays.

“Yahya Black, you’ve got to step up,” Starks said recently on the In the Locker Room podcast. “This is a big year for Yahya Black… Big challenge. Go from 6-5” to 6-2”. That’s all I need you to do, Yahya. Just three inches lower and it’s a world of difference.”

The previous Steelers coaching staff didn’t see Black as a nose tackle, even though he seemed like a better fit there than Keeanu Benton. However, Mike McCarthy and Co. have a different vision for Black. They gave him more time at nose tackle this summer.

Whether Black actually lines up there in Week 1 remains to be seen. For what it’s worth, Benton is listed as the starting nose tackle on the Steelers’ latest depth chart. That might not mean everything, but the Steelers could have similar concerns as Starks about Black’s pad level.

Starks isn’t the only former Steelers offensive lineman who wants to see more out of Black.

“He’s the cog that’s going to make this thing turn the right way,” Willie Colon said on the same podcast. “I understand this is a second-year guy, he’s new to the position… One of the things we were frustrated with his play is he plays too high to be a nose tackle. He’s mountain strong.

“He has all the rough and tough things you like about a nose tackle. But there’s times when that offensive line starts chipping up and getting to the second level, he gets rolled sometimes because his pads are too high.”

While Black has ideal size for a run-stopping defensive tackle, technique is important too. This week will be a nice test for him. The Falcons are likely going to want to run the ball a lot given their quarterback situation.

Also, their offensive line isn’t anything to scoff at, especially the interior. Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron are a top guard pair. Lindstrom is a multi-time All-Pro, and Bergeron just got a nice payday. Atlanta’s offense could try to lean on them against Pittsburgh.

Most fifth-round picks don’t have this kind of shine on them. However, Black had some nice moments as a rookie, and he’s got all the physical tools to succeed. As a result, there’s hope that he can be a nice piece of the Steelers’ defensive line for years to come. We’ll see if he can start his second season off on the right foot.