Pittsburgh Steelers: Is Mike Adams staking claim to left tackle?
By Matt Shetler
Entering training camp, one of the main priorities the Pittsburgh Steelers had was to find themselves a left tackle.
Second-year pro Mike Adams could make that decision an easy one for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
August 19, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Mike Adams (76) pass blocks against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
As camp began, it looked as if Marcus Gilbert would slide over to the left side from his normal right tackle position, but just seven weeks after being stabbed, Adams is getting a long look on the left side.
Adams and Gilbert switched sides during Friday evening’s practice and Adams, and Ohio State product, has spent three consecutive practices there.
At first glimpse on Friday, it appeared to be a case of getting Adams comfortable on the left side. The Steelers have very little depth at the tackle spot outside of Kelvin Beachum and if Gilbert were to get injured, it would make sense that they could slide Adams over to the left side an insert Beachum to the right side.
But Adams is reportedly looking good on the left side and could not only make this a competition, but a quick competition at that.
It would be the best case scenario for the Steelers if Adams were to lay claim to the left tackle job as we all know how important protecting Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side is. Gilbert has shown he is comfortable on the right side and if Adams can live up to his potential on the left side, the Steelers would suddenly have a pair of capable bookend tackles.
Moving Adams to the left side now looks like it has a lot more to do with him earning that job instead of simply a depth move.
He will get his first opportunity to impress the coaching staff Saturday night when the Steelers open up the preseason against the New York Giants.