Pittsburgh Steelers to Start David DeCastro and Mike Adams vs. Eagles
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line is beginning to take shape along the lines that many expected it would as head coach Mike Tomlin announced that the Steelers top two picks in the 2012 NFL Draft- David DeCastro and Mike Adams- will start on the offensive line during the team’s preseason opener Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.
DeCastro will start at right guard and Adams at left tackle, despite both guys having some growing pains early on in camp.
Tomlin said (via NFL.com)
"“They’ve had good moments and some not-so-good moments,” Tomlin said, via The Associated Press. “That is the process that is team development and individual development. But both guys have worked extremely hard, both guys finish and they’re smart young men. We’ll see more about them, and of course we’ll know more about them by Thursday night.”"
If both DeCastro and Adams remain starters, the Steelers will have three members of their offensive line with three years or fewer of NFL experience, not exactly a sure fire way to keep franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on his feet more. But the Steelers offensive line desperately needed rebuilt and the Steelers did a fine job of doing so early on, as Willie Colon is now the oldest member up front at 29 years old.
By starting both rookies, Tomlin is challenging both guys to take hold of their respective starting jobs.
Beginning Thursday night, we will get a look at if they are capable of doing exactly that.