Pittsburgh Steelers: Breaking down the best upcoming training camp battles
By Matt Shetler
Left Tackle: Mike Adams vs. Marcus Gilbert
This isn’t as much of a battle as the others as both Adams and Gilbert should be in the Steelers starting lineup, but where they will lineup makes this as important a battle as any.
October 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Mike Adams (76) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Washington Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (97) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Someone has to protect Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side and it looks like Adams will get the first crack at doing so.
Both Adams and Gilbert must prove that they can stay healthy.
Adams sprained his MCL in the 2012 preseason opener and returned a short time later, but his rookie season ended in November after he suffered an ankle injury.
In 10 games at right tackle, he allowed seven sacks and 16 quarterback hurries, which doesn’t give you a lot of confidence in him off the bat. On a positive note the Steelers rushing attack was at its best once Adams settled in at right tackle a season ago.
Gilbert is still recovering from an ankle injury and it would be nice to see him stay on the right side, where he does a pretty good job.
The best case for the Steelers is that Adams emerges as a capable left tackle as I think that gives them their most solid line combination, not only for now, but the future as well.
Prediction: Adams in a very close battle