The OLine Desperately Needs Max Back

[fezziwig]

How do you guys feel about Gilbert... My memory isn't wha tit used to be because, I don't recall him giving us any assurance that he would be able to handle the job.

[Oviedo]

How do you guys feel about Gilbert... My memory isn't wha tit used to be because, I don't recall him giving us any assurance that he would be able to handle the job.

Gilbert reminds me of a young Max Starks. He will be fine and good solid OLman over his time with the team. He won't be an All Pro but he wil be solid the more he gets experience.

[fezziwig]

Thanks for the response and the positive reply

[phillyesq]

Gilbert reminds me of a young Max Starks. He will be fine and good solid OLman over his time with the team. He won't be an All Pro but he wil be solid the more he gets experience.

That is my impression of Gilbert as well. He was generally solid last year as a rookie, and should only get better. He has the ability to be an above-average right tackle. He needs to keep his head in the game and stay focused - I recall that there were a few issues with that last year, and having Mike Adams (or Starks) looming behind him should serve as motivation to do that.

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers notebook: Colon won’t be moving back to tackle

By Mark Kaboly
Published: Tuesday, August 14, 2012



• With Mike Adams out at least another week because of a knee injury and Max Starks working his way back from offseason knee surgery, Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler is looking for anyone to play tackle — anyone except for last year’s right tackle, Willie Colon. The Steelers moved Colon to left guard in the offseason, and Kugler said that’s where Colon will stay. “I will never say never, but I promised him when I moved him to guard that I wouldn’t move him back out there,” Kugler said.

• The Steelers activated Starks from the physically unable to perform list. Under new CBA rules, Starks won’t be able to fully participate in practice until Friday, the day the Steelers break camp. Starks had surgery in January to repair a torn ACL he suffered in the Steelers’ playoff loss. “I am going to slowly work my way back in,” Starks said.

• The Steelers waived injured running back John Clay (torn quad) and signed rookie free-agent running back Jason Ford, who played at Illinois.

• Running back Jonathan Dwyer returned to practice after hurting his shoulder on the first carry of last week’s preseason game. Dwyer is unsure if he will be ready for Sunday’s game against the Colts. “I am feeling better. I just want to ease into it,” Dwyer said.

• Injured tight end David Johnson cleared waivers and will remain with the team until he’s medically cleared. The Steelers are responsible for the entire $1.26 million restricted free-agent contract he signed in April.

[URL]http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/2407174-85/steelers-starks-colon-dwyer-kugler-running-tackle-agent-anyone-cleared[/URL]

[hawaiiansteel]

Adams V. Starks: Which Steelers Tackle Wins The Battle

Aug 16th, 2012 by CraigSteelers



Steelers veteran left tackle Max Starks hit the practice field for the first time since tearing his ACL. Rookie left tackle Mike Adams also returned from his knee injury he suffered last week against the Eagles. And, while it’s not The Octagon, this battle for left tackle just got interesting.

I’m not yet convinced that Mike Adams is the guy for the starting job. Yet. He’ll get there, but his poor showing against the Eagles is a cause for concern. Enter trusty Max Starks. Starks, though criticized for his age and size, entered last season overweight and out of shape from his most recent injury. After being cut by the Steelers, he was resigned part way through as a final play by the team to improve the awful offensive line.

Starks, who hadn’t really practiced or taken a snap for months shined in his return. He continued to have Ben Roethlisberger’s back the rest of the year until he went down with an ACL at the end of the season. Starks is a solid choice at left tackle and has a realistic chance of taking that roll away from Adams.

So who will the Steelers start against the Colts on Sunday? Does Adams get a second nod and chance to prove that he deserves that spot? Or do the Steelers go with Starks to see if he can still handle game speed?

If Starks doesn’t start on Sunday, I would think the Steelers would put him in fairly early in the game. Adams and Starks may share time in the 1st quarter so the coaches can asses how both men handle the 1st team defense of the Colts. With Freeny and Mathis of the Colts still playing at a high level, both Adams and Starks will be tested often and early.

[URL]http://nicepickcowher.com/2012/08/16/adams-v-starks-which-steelers-tackle-wins-the-battle/[/URL]