Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
As most of you already know, Mike Adams probably struggled more than any of Pittsburgh’s starters during the team’s 0-4 start to the 2013 regular season. His four-game regular season audition at left tackle was plagued by inconsistent play and some of the league’s best pass rushers taking advantage of his inexperience.
Although Adams was demoted in favor of Kelvin Beachum on the blind side, his play in recent weeks as Pittsburgh’s extra tackle/tight end and substitute left tackle has garnered positive reviews from many. One such person is the Steelers’ Pro Bowl signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger, and Ben had the following to say about Adams in a recent article by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
"We put him [Adams] in extra games as that extra tight end, tackle, whatever it is, … That’s helping him build his confidence, as well. I do see a good future for him, I really do."
I for one agree with Roethlisberger that Adams does have the potential to be a starting caliber offensive tackle at the professional level.
While I am not sure he is best suited to play left tackle, I hope that all of you remember that Adams earned the team’s Rookie of the Year Award last season for his play at right tackle. Armed with a large frame and a punishing run-blocker to boot, Adams probably deserves a chance to unseat Marcus Gilbert during the offseason for the starting right tackle spot.
Thoughts on potential roster battles aside, Adams will have his chance to start at left tackle this weekend against the Miami Dolphins if Beachum is sidelined due to a right knee sprain. Beachum has not practiced at all this week, so his availability for Sunday’s game is definitely in doubt.
I just hope that Adams is able to take full advantage of his second chance to start, and also proves to himself, Roethlsiberger and the rest of his teammates that he is a starting-caliber offensive tackle.
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