Give up?

Believe it or not “Steeler Nation,” but if you guessed “Max Starks,” you would be correct!

Starks has been a fixture with the Steelers since 2004. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

That’s right readers, Starks not only started all 16 of Pittsburgh’s regular season games at the Offensive Line’s most important spot (Left Tackle), but one could argue that he was Pittsburgh’s most consistent and effective Offensive Lineman all year long.

Despite his solid effort this past year, Starks does not believe that he will be coming back for a 10th season in “The Steel City,” even after one of the best seasons of his career from a run-blocking and pass-protecting standpoint.  In a recent interview with Mike Bires of “The Beaver County Times” (via Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com), Starks shared his thoughts on the prospects of him sticking with the Steelers in 2013:

“Anytime you draft tackles in the second round in back-to-back years, I think it’s their plan to have them as the starting left and right tackles in the future.  That’s their goal.  So being a realist, I am not expecting to be back.”

Would it be nice to see Marcus Gilbert and Mike Adams step-up and emerge as the team’s starting Left and Right Tackles next year?  Heck yes it would.  If both could play the entire season together (16 regular season games, plus hopefully playoffs) and develop into a pair of solid book-ends to make the veteran Starks expendable during this crucial rebuilding process, I would be downright overjoyed.

Unfortunately, I live in a little place called “reality.”  And I know that asking for a season without injuries along the Steelers’ Offensive Line is a pretty tall order, especially over the last half decade in which assorted ailments have plagued Pittsburgh’s players in the trenches.

If you readers care to remember, Craig and I expressed last Summer why it would be in the Steelers’ best interests to re-up the former Florida Gator to a veteran 1 year deal.  Few agreed with us and our thoughts on Starks being a steady insurance policy, especially after he sustained a knee injury during Pittsburgh’s Wild Card Playoff Loss to Denver last January.  But just like clock-work, once the preseason began Pittsburgh’s Offensive Linemen began dropping like flies due to injuries.  Thankfully for Pittsburgh, all Max did was come in and play effective football and protect the Steelers’ signal-callers blind-side’s throughout the regular season.

Because quality depth and health remain such areas of concern along the Steelers’ Offensive Line, I believe that G.M. Kevin Colbert should at least attempt to re-up Starks for “one last go-around” with the franchise in the neighborhood of a 1 year $1-1.25 million deal (his contract last season was worth $890,000).  In fact, I hope that if the Steelers do re-up Starks that the starting Left Tackle position is open to competition during this offseason.  That way, Pittsburgh will give the Top 3 Tackles (Starks, Gilbert, and Adams) on their depth chart the opportunity to win the blind-side job outright.  As I alluded to before, I would love to see these younger players and high Draft selections like Gilbert and Adams have to stay hungry and fight for a chance to start, especially after such an under-achieving and injury-plagued season like this past one was.  Maybe the extra heat on the 2nd and 3rd year players will inspire them to take their collective games’ to new levels and leave the veteran on the sidelines.

Health permitting next season, the Steelers must find a way to play the best player at each position along the Offensive front, regardless of age and experience.  Thus, if Max is yet again believed to be the best option the team will have available at Left Tackle, they should go with him until Starks either calls it quits, or a younger player usurps him, not simply going with them because of their “Draft Status.”

As it stands now, I believe that there is no harm in the Steelers attempting to sign Starks to another one year contract in the neighborhood of $1 million dollars this offseason.  Best case scenario, Max wrestles the Left Tackle job away from Adams and Gilbert.  Worst case scenario, Starks is a quality “Swing” backup at the Left and Right Tackle positions and stands as a steady veteran presence for the young players along the Offensive Line.

Yet if another team offers Starks more money and/or a starting job outright this offseason, then I say more power to him and “Thank You” for 9 years, 123 Regular Season Games, 96 Starts, and the opportunity to watch 2 Super Bowl wins.  I just believe that it would be unwise for the Steelers’ brass to simply dismiss a player like Starks so easily, especially when the “O-Line Issues” have yet to be fully solved.

Plus, what’s wrong with having a “steady, safe, and largely inexpensive” insurance policy like Starks at your team’s disposal at such an important position?

Stats & Contract Information Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com and Spotrac.com

September 16, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Marcus Gilbert (77) pass blocks at the line of scrimmage as New York Jets linebacker Garrett McIntyre (50) rushes the line during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Marcus Gilbert was shelved for the season three weeks ago when he was finally placed on the IR due to a nagging ankle injury.  Gilbert, who started thirteen games as a rookie lineman last season is part of the trend going on in Pittsburgh of starting rookie lineman.  Maurkice Pouncey started in his rookie season back in 2010.  David DeCastro, who was the Steelers’ number one pick in the draft this season was to start at guard until a knee injury in the final preseason game left him out until last week against Dallas.

Gilbert sat down with Lindsay McCormick of TDDaily.com and talked about this season.  What I find most interesting about his thoughts are the ones on fellow players Rashard Mendenhall and Mike Wallace.  Gilbert talks about Wallace’s struggles this season and pretty much eludes that if a bigger contract comes from another team when he becomes an UFA, he’s going to sign that offer.

The other interesting nugget is his take on Mendenhall.  Mendenhall has struggled from the time he’s returned from a season ending knee injury at the end of last season.  He was suspended last week due to poor conduct with the team.  Gilbert compared Mendenhall to Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno.  Moreno returned for the first time since his injury and has blown up the stat sheet since.  Gilbert thinks that Mendenhall will have the same results soon.

All the guys on the Broncos spoke very highly about what a positive person [Moreno] was in their locker room and once he finally got a chance, he shined. I can see the same thing playing out here [for Mendenhall].

One problem, Marcus – from what I can tell Mendenhall isn’t really your feel good happy go lucky guy in the locker room.  In fact, after returning from suspension this week, Mendenhall didn’t even address his teammates for being such a jagoff.

Catch the whole interview here.

If Marcus Gilbert does his job on Sunday, we shouldn’t see too much this. Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

The Steelers offensive line, through injury and tribulations thus far this season, has not worsened in its ability to protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  The Raiders pass rush is not very good, but that doesn’t mean the Steelers should get caught sleeping on Sunday afternoon.

The Steelers O-line gave up 40 sacks last season.  That’s almost three a game.  This season, the line is on pace for two sacks per game for a total of 32 (regular season only).  That’s a little improved.  The interesting thing about the four sacks so far against the Steelers is that it usually happens when the line breaks down quickly and in a huge way. Roethlisberger has been nothing short of Houdini in his ability to scramble and escape the grasp of would be tacklers.  That’s helped the sack totals not get any higher than they already are.  Ben has also been much smarter with the ball as well and giving it up when he needs to.

The Raiders have sacked an opposing quarterback only twice this season.  That should give a warm fuzzy comforting feeling to many in Steeler Nation, but the team and fans should be as cautious as ever when the offense lines up against the Raiders’ defense.   Defensive ends Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston have yet to really impact the line of scrimmage this season.  It’s only been three games, but a trimmed down and faster Lamarr Houston has yet to fullfil the high expectations placed on him at the start of camp.  Shaughnessy is also sluggish, even though he did produce a sack against Pro Bowl tackle Jake Long.  Steeler Max Starks is not a Pro Bowler but will certainly be a handful for the tough Shaughnessy.

The more interesting matchup will be Houston against the young Marcus Gilbert.  Gilbert had the best pass blocking efficiency among rookies last season, and he has maintained that level of performance in 2012.  Houston’s speed could be a challenge for Gilbert as he tries to take the edge away from the right tackle.  Gilbert will be key in sealing off Big Ben’s escape route should the pocket collapse – especially if Starks struggles with Shaughnessy.  Houston has much to prove and a golden opportunity to finally meet expectations against an offensive line that has yet to finds its rhythm in effective blocking.

But, should Starks and Gilbert consistently seal off the edge and allow Roethlisberger to sit in the pocket for more than 3.5 seconds, then it will be carnage in the Raiders secondary.

Adams has not fared well so far against pass rushers. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE

Granted, it is definitely more of an exception than the norm for a team to start a Rookie at Left Tackle in Week 1 of any regular season.  Nevertheless, the Steelers appeared all but ready to hand the “Blindside Protector” spot over to their 2012 2nd Round draft pick Mike Adams as they entered OTA’s and Training Camp.  Unfortunately, the former Buckeye has played like a Rookie thus far into the preseason, banged up his knee a bit, and has played inconsistent/looked lost at times when matched up against 1st and 2nd stringers.

The regular season showdown in the Mile High City only 18 days away, and “Gunslingin” Dumervil and Von Miller are ready to wreak havoc again off the edge.  With the struggles, the injury, the stage, and the future competition in mind, the Steelers have some important choices to make concerning the Tackle position:

Should they start the Rookie Adams?  Or will they go with another Tackle in his place?  If so, which guys should play where and why?

I personally believe that if the Steelers decide to let Adams rest up, develop more, and rehab from his injury fully, the team has options to exercise for the time being and can benefit in the process.  I have listed two starting Offensive Line combinations which the Steelers can employ without Adams, and I will further discuss why these lineups could help the team if they choose to not play Adams come Week 1.

Combination #1

(LT) Marcus Gilbert, (LG) Willie Colon, (C) Maurkice Pouncey, (RG) David DeCastro, (RT) Ramon Foster

If you readers do not recall, Marcus Gilbert was originally slated to start at Left Tackle this season.  In fact, the 2nd Year man from Florida also saw time there during OTA’s and Training Camp, and even got some work there in the Wild Card playoff loss this past January.  Overall, Gilbert started 14 total games during his Rookie season, and the experience which he gained during a year where it appeared he would have to sit and develop was invaluable to all parties involved in his development.  While Gilbert has not started a regular season game at Left Tackle for the team so far, he still has been thought of as a viable option for the team to use at the position.  Plus, with a year of regular season experience already gained, Gilbert is much farther along in his development than Adams currently is at the moment.

As far as Foster’s experience at Right Tackle goes, the former Tennessee Volunteer started 26 games during his final two seasons in college.  And while Foster has played a majority of time during his three seasons the pro level at both Guard spots, the guy at least has some sort of experience under his belt at the Tackle position.  Truth be told, I was actually pleased with Offensive Line Coach Sean Kugler’s decision to give Foster time at Right Tackle to start Sunday night’s game, but at Left Guard as well.  Both positions feature starters which have either had injury issues (Willie Colon) or are at risk of being switched elsewhere because of uncertainty somewhere else (Marcus Gilbert).  For insurance purposes, I would like to see Foster see extended time at both spots during the rest of the preseason contests, and I hope that the Coaching Staff feels the same way as I do.

Together, Foster and Gilbert did a solid enough job against the Colts when they were lined up at Right and Left Tackle respectively.  They kept Big Ben from being destroyed and managed to help get the ground game going led by Jonathan Dwyer and Co..  More reps are needed by both players at both positions, and it will be up to the Coaching Staff to determine whether or not both players have a future at either spot.  While I would not mind seeing this pairing lined up in Week 1, there is one other Offensive Line combination which could benefit the team as well.

Combination #2

(LT) Max Starks, (LG) Willie Colon, (C) Maurkice Pouncey, (RG) David DeCastro, (RT) Marcus Gilbert

To those of you which decried the move (and mine and Craig’s support of said move) to resign veteran Tackle Max Starks (80 career starts) for insurance purposes, let me just take the time to issue a quick “I told you so.” before I proceed.  Look what has happened recently.  Oh yeah, some of the scenarios which I alluded to in my past posts: injuries have struck, and Adams is hurt/not playing up to standard.  Now that Big #78 is no longer on the PUP List, Starks could very well begin to see some playing time in Pittsburgh’s next preseason contest.  And who knows?  Starks could very well be protecting Big Ben’s blindside come the time the team takes the field at Mile High Stadium (or whatever they are calling it now).  Of course, Starks’ ability to play however will all hinge on his recently surgically repaired knee.  Thus, the veteran should only be inserted into the lineup if and only if the Steelers and Big Ben are fully confident that he is athletically up to play come Week 1.

Also helping the “Max Starks at Left Tackle scenario” is the fact that Marcus Gilbert can stand pat, stay comfortable, and man the Right Tackle position for a second consecutive season.  Gilbert will have some continuity and could remain there as long as Starks can stay off the injury list/Adams can return to form.  In addition, Adams can be the team’s top backup, learn at his own pace with little to no pressure, and heal in the process as well.  Plus, Foster can be the top backup at the Guard spots and play in case Colon gets injured again or DeCastro has some issues too.

It will be interesting to see how healthy Starks is over the next two weeks, and should make for a good storyline.  If he proves that his knee can hold up, I would personally lean towards starting a veteran like Starks, especially because he has the trust of Big Ben and has played in big situations before.

Final Thoughts

My argument that Adams should not start Week 1 in Denver has more to do with what is in the best interests of the team right now, not what his future with the club will ultimately be.  Starting as a Rookie in the National Football League is a tall order to say the least, and many players which turn out to be Pro Bowl players ride the pine and develop their talented skill-sets until they are ready.  Heck, Adams could be starting by midseason and should even be putting together more consistent performances by the end of the year.  But as of right now, Week 3 of the preseason, Pittsburgh should really begin to explore the options of inserting Starks and/or Foster into their starting lineup until the Rookie’s play improves.

I will give Adams the benefit of the doubt from his performance against the Colts because of his sore knee.  Injuries happen and performances suffer because of it.  Yet if Adams cannot keep the Colts’ backups at bay, heaven forbid what happens when Miller and Dumervil are lined up across from him.  Big Ben could get seriously hurt if Adams struggles with pass protection as much as he has over the last two weeks, and the Steelers might want to consider all of their options at the Tackle positions before they head into a hostile environment with hungry pass rushers during the opening week.

Stats Courtesy of: Pro Football Reference.com

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Foster will take over the Right Tackle duties until Adams returns. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Pugliese-US PRESSWIRE

It is official “Steeler Nation”: The 2012 version of “Offensive Line Musical Chairs” has started in Pittsburgh!

After he sustained a knee injury in Pittsburgh’s first preseason game against Philadelphia, Rookie Mike Adams will be forced to the sidelines for what appears to be 2 weeks.  With Adams out, Left Guard Willie Colon back from his own injury, and David DeCastro having earned the starting nod at Right Guard, the Steelers shuffled substitute Left Guard Ramon Foster to Right Tackle, and Right Tackle Marcus Gilbert over to Big Ben’s blind side.

While it is a bit disheartening to see Adams miss some time, the roster moves themselves are not exactly a huge cause for concern.  Gilbert was slated to move over to the Left side for this season anyway and had taken some reps there during the offseason.  As for Foster, while he has not played Tackle extensively since he was at Tennessee, he has the body type the Steelers’ look for in a Tackle, can run-block decently, and possesses enough of a skill-set at the position in terms of his pass-blocking to shore up the Right side for however long Adams is hurt.  Plus, popular veteran Max Starks is still on the roster, and once he regains full health, can slide over to Left Tackle in case of another emergency.

Although the Steelers have the ability to play some “roster Tetris” along their Offensive Line, the fact that a guy which appeared to be an instrumental part of the rebuilding process is already missing time is a huge blow.  Cohesiveness (outside of talent) is probably the most important ingredient which goes into building a successive Offensive Line.  And while the Steelers might have upgraded in the talent department at essentially every position over the last three years, Big Ben’s blocking unit has been maligned by injuries, numerous different lineups, and personnel changes across the board.

While I have complete and total faith that Offensive Line Coach Sean Kugler can “MacGyver” some sort of passable Line if disaster inevitably strikes, I am frustrated with the fact that he has already had to do it multiple times during his two year tenure with the franchise.  What Kugler and the rest of the Offense needs is five guys to simply stay healthy for an extended period of time so they can build some chemistry and find out what works and what does not as a unit.  My only hope is that the Steelers can find some sort of solution soon, because this “Offensive Line Question Mark” is something which has plagued this team over the last half decade.

All we can do now though “Steeler Nation” is cross our fingers’, wait until the music stops, and hope nobody gets injured trying to find a chair.

For all your Steelers news and discussions follow us on Twitter @nicepickcowherC, follow me on Twitter @DominicDiTolla, and like us on Facebook.