Mandatory Credit: Vincent Pugliese-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Kaboly of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review just tweeted the following information after Pittsburgh’s 40-23 loss to Chicago at Heinz Field:
Word I got out of the locker room was it more giving Beachum reps at tackle because he earned them more than Gilbert and Adams play. Oooook!
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) September 23, 2013
But according to Tomlin: "They hadn't played well enough to justify otherwise."
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) September 23, 2013
I cannot say that I was surprised when the Steelers rotated their top three tackles during the first half of play. Ben Roethlisberger was being pressured heavily, and Mike Adams, Marcus Gilbert, and their replacement Kelvin Beachum all had their fair share of issues trying to create running lanes (3.8 yards per carry against Bears) and pass-protect (3.0 sacks allowed).
It is high time that at least two of Pittsburgh’s young tackles can step up, particularly their “second-rounders” in the forms of Adams and Gilbert. The Steelers made significant investments in both players, and keeping Roethlisberger healthy and upright during his 30’s will be extremely important.
How the Steelers plan to use their tackles next Sunday against Minnesota in London will be a huge question, and I hope that someone steps up to keep Jared Allen at bay. Most of all though, I hope that two of these three can play competently in spurts throughout the rest of the 2013 regular season.
Of course, the shuffling right now could just be some damage control for this team to finish the season so they can use their “Top Five” draft pick on a left tackle like Jake Matthews.
Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference
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