DeCastro & Beachum

[Blackout]

Thought they played extremely well. DD is going to be a beast if he can stay healthy.

[TheVet]

Originally Posted by blackandgoldsc

Serious question...
Would we rather see Starks/Gilbert on the ends, Starks/Adams, Starks/Beachum, Gilbert/Adams, Gilbert/Beachum, or Adams/Beachum?

I really don't know. I think Starks is very underrated, I think Gilbert is kind of overrated but that doesn't necessarily mean I am right or that the Steelers agree. Not sure what to really think of Adams and Beachum yet.

That's the question, for sure. We know what Starks brings to the table - he's adequate to play the position, a journeyman-level NFL OT and nothing more; but on our O-line that makes him the best OT.

Adams would have reasonably been expected to take the starting left tackle position, but he's had technique problems in pass blocking, followed by injuries, and he simply hasn't progressed. He's fine as a run blocker. He needs more time, health, training and experience. So Adams is still an open question, but injuries are injuries, and we can remain hopeful.

Gilbert would have been reasonably expected to continue developing after his solid rookie year, but instead he regressed badly. His pass defense is worse than Adams. Not only has he been regularly beaten, he's losing on technique and he's losing physically. Indeed, defensive players have been driving him into the turf, and into other teammates. He's being beaten like a bongo drum. He's nowhere near Adams in run blocking. Gilbert is a big concern.

Beachum is a big surprise. In preseason, all he seemed to do was hold; he looked kind of helpless. But in the last two games as a starter, he's looked better than either Adams or Gilbert in pass defense (and behind Adams in run blocking, of course).

We really need at least one of these guys to step up and get beyond the Starks level, and it really should be two - because honestly, we're a bottom five OL, and it should be an achievable goal. Maybe one will be Beachum, and maybe Adams will progress or Gilbert will get his head right. Maybe both!!! Or maybe neither ...

I don't think we're going to know the answer this year.

PS: I was very happy with DD's play.

[VaDave]

While Beachum is doing ok in pass protect, he is a little light in the britches against 3-4 DTs with run blocking. Specificaly , he has trouble with down blocks. Maybe if he can put on another 10-15 lbs above the waist this offseason, he could very well nail that spot down for the next 10 years.....

As for Decastro, if he stays healthy, could be one of the best guards we've had since Gerry Mullins.....and that includes Big Red. I thought it was a solid debut.

I can't wait to see how well our running game could be with Colon, Pouncey and DeCastro in the middle.

[Rotorhead]

Really, Starks is average? We havent had to worry about LT since he returned. He is as good as any in the league right now and rarely gives up a sack from the left. Starks needs a new contract period. I would say hes our best OL behind Pouncey. DD will hopefully improve and lock down the RG spot.

[steelfury02]

Starks is a top 5 Steelers lineman of past decade IMO

1. Hartings
2. Faneca
3. Smith
4. Starks
5. Pouncey

[SteelKid212]

Originally Posted by Rotorhead

Really, Starks is average? We havent had to worry about LT since he returned. He is as good as any in the league right now and rarely gives up a sack from the left. Starks needs a new contract period. I would say hes our best OL behind Pouncey. DD will hopefully improve and lock down the RG spot.

This right here..

Max Starks is really underrated. You dont see these forums blowing up with Max Starks sucks! or Fire Max Starks! and thats because he is SOLID.

People forget he played all season the two years we won the superbowl, got to a third one also. and he didnt start or play the years we sucked.

What is he like 30 yrs old? or older? Maybe he will stick around for another few years.

[VaDave]

Starks is a UFA, and will surely test the market. I would veture a guess he will get a better offer elsewhere., and rate his return in 2013 at about 10%. The same with Mendenhal, Wallace, and possibly Foster. Legs will be retained as a swing man.

Next years Startin Oline, Gilbert, Colon ( until he gets hurt then Legursky steps in) Pouncey, DeCastro, and Adams. Beachum will be the swing man.

[WVABE]

Originally Posted by VaDave

Starks is a UFA, and will surely test the market. I would veture a guess he will get a better offer elsewhere., and rate his return in 2013 at about 10%. The same with Mendenhal, Wallace, and possibly Foster. Legs will be retained as a swing man.

Next years Startin Oline, Gilbert, Colon ( until he gets hurt then Legursky steps in) Pouncey, DeCastro, and Adams. Beachum will be the swing man.

Looks good on paper, but if they can't play together on a continuos basis because of injuries were right back to square one, rotating the o-line to see who fits where.
Now is the time to start looking for some hard ass coaches & trainers.

[VaDave]

Amen on the trainers..... Hear that Mr. Colon?? Lugging that extra 40-50 lbs around isn't exactly good for your health. Same could be said for Woodley, & Hampton. Have you guys ever heard of sensible eating?

As for injuries, this has been going on for a number of years, like since 1933...... Losing Kugler is going to hurt. The guy was a wiz at getting guys ready in a hurry.

[Penn]

Hopefully Adams is healthy enough to start this week and we can get our running game going again with our two rookies on the right side