Mike Adams Vs. Marcus Gilbert: The Battle for Left and Right Tackle
By Nick Kelly
1. Run Blocking
Mike Adams
As raw as Mike Adams was his rookie season, he looked natural run blocking. Adams was on the field for all of the 100 yard rushing games the Steelers running backs had in 2012. Unlike Gilbert, Mike Adams was able to get to the second level, and be very effective. For a man who is 6’7 and over 300 pounds, Adams has great athleticism. He is the kind of offensive tackle that has the ability to bend, which is what Jack Bicknell Jr. will be looking for in his new offensive lineman. As natural as Mike Adams looked, he still has some areas of his run blocking that need improvement/fine tuning. His hand placement is good, with a good one two punch, but he needs to work on latching on to, and turning defenders once he gets his hands on them. Mike Adams has a lot of natural strength run blocking, but he needs to improve on his technique this offseason. In the play below, Mike Adams is a vital part of the touchdown that Chris Rainey scored against the Bengals, Week 7.
Coaches film from NFL Game Rewind
Here, Heath Miller is coming over to take out the defensive end helping out Mike Adams. Chris Rainey is going to run right through the B gap.
Coaches Film from NFL Game Rewind
Mike Adams leaves the defensive end alone, as he moves in to combo block with Ramon Foster, letting Heath Miller take out the defensive end.
Coaches film from NFL Game Rewind
Mike Adams double teams the defensive tackle as he eyes Rey Maualuga coming from the left.
Coaches Film from NFL Game Rewind
Mike Adams works to ‘backer as Chris Rainey comes through the hole to score 6. Mike Adams seal block is ultimately what broke Chris Rainey for the touchdown.
Advantage: Mike Adams