The Steelers Offensive Line...The Game Isn't Played On Paper

- Mason Noland

David DeCastro and Mike Adams were drafted by the Steelers this year in the first two rounds to keep
our quarterback from being pummeled and to save our running game. If this thought went through
your head, then you, my friend, are like me. I was so excited I couldn’t stand it when DeCastro fell to
us at the end of round number one. I got a call from a friend of mine who is a Raiders fan, and he told
me how much he hated me because how well the Steelers are run, and how not so well his team is not
run. My expectations were through the roof, and they still are. The next Development that came along
was longtime Tackle, Willie Colon, being moved to left guard. I again thought this was great, our line is
going to be awesome. Then they resign Max Starks, who might even start the season as a starter. Adams
or Starks, Colon, Maurkice Pouncey, DeCastro and Marcus Gilbert as a starting offensive line sounds
unbelievable in my mind, or at least I hope so.

I am trying my best to temper my enthusiasm for this unit, but sometimes I get downright giddy about
the possibility that our weakest unit from the past few years could become a strength for this team. I
know at the very least they can’t be any worse….Can they?

My excitement is probably just like yours if you are a Steelers fan, but let’s dial it back a step. Let me
explain why I’m tempering my excitement slightly. Let’s go left to right. I really think, like Jeff said
before, Max Starks will probably start the season as Left Tackle. I do feel like Adams may start at some
point. He’s a talented young man from a big time school. He slipped in the draft due to being a stupid
kid. Starks is a solid player who does have trouble with the quicker pass rushers. If Adams starts, he’s a
rookie protecting the 100 million dollar investment at QB. I can’t say that’s necessarily optimal. How is he
going to adjust? Time will tell.

Left Guard, Willie Colon’s obvious red flag is his injury history over the last couple years. I also think
its hard enough to go from one position to another, but to switch sides all together while switching
positions is going to be a tall order. I have faith Willie can get it done, but that is a huge change.
Maurkice Pouncey had offseason surgery on his ankle. He says it feels great. I trust him. He was a better
offensive lineman on one leg than the rest of the players last year on two. Right Guard should be David DeCastro. All of his college highlights are spectacular. He is crushing people on trap plays and protecting Andrew Luck in the passing game. The Drafting of DeCastro had me stand up slap a high five to a total stranger because my excitement was through the roof. While I think he could be a great player, he will also be a rookie. I very much hope he makes an immediate impact, much like Pouncey did, which I predict will be the case. I have, however, dropped my expectations because these won’t be Pac-12 defenders he’s blocking, they will be NFL defenders. He may have dominated in a big time college league, but a lot of good college players have struggled to meet expectations in the NFL. (I’m looking at you Reggie Bush).
Marcus Gilbert really looks to develop into a very good tackle. He played very well last year when he
was called upon. He looked like a rookie at times, but more often than not, his play was very steady.
Let’s just hope he doesn’t hit the dreaded sophomore slump. I think one more year with Sean Kulger will
progress him further as an NFL tackle.

I have yet to mention the depth. Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster have both started and played
extensively and admirably. Trai Essex also has started and has the capability to play every offensive line
position. These men give Mike Tomlin what he loves, position flexibility. They should meet the standard
if called upon.

So after breaking all these positions down, you would think I should have nothing to worry about. I really
hope so. We have reloaded our offensive line to look to be a strength for the team and not a weakness,
barring injury of course. The talking heads will tell you this is too much change, when last year they
said we should tear it up and rebuild. Tomlin has rebuilt the line and I believe it is a good thing. I am
cautiously optimistic it is going to be great. This all looks good on paper, but they don’t play on paper.
Tomlin, Kugler and Todd Haley have their work cut out for them, but they are just the men for the job.
Tomlin will accept no excuses, high expectations or not.