Villanueva and Gilbert

[Punxsutawney]

I was looking up the top guard contracts to try to get an idea of what Foster might get, I was surprised to see DeCastro would have the highest cap hit this up coming season among guards if we don't extend him.

Well, Decastro is going to get paid, one way or another, coming off a legit All-Pro season

I like Foster, as he's solid in the passing game and can block the guy right in front of him in the running game, but his mobility is really limited.

O

 

[USDA#1]

I hope the Ranger grows into some type of leadership role on the team.

 

[swal75]

I was looking up the top guard contracts to try to get an idea of what Foster might get, I was surprised to see DeCastro would have the highest cap hit this up coming season among guards if we don't extend him.

That's because his 5th year rookie option is based on some equation that accounts for all offensive linemen, much like the franchise tag does. The Ravens have a Guard they want to keep but franchising him would cost elite LT money.

 

[Coach]

I think Gilbert was, actually, 5th (or whatever is just outside of 2nd team) in All Pro voting.

I felt Gilbert was having a pro bowl like year. It's tougher for RT's to make the Pro bowl

 

[SteelerAl]

I'm with you on Gilbert. Villanueva was up and down but it was his first season starting.

The other day I was thinking about Villaneuva and it occurred to me that he really got thrown into the fire in terms of facing good defenses with good pass rushers and in terms of going into some of the tougher venues in the NFL.

He started 12 games including the playoffs. His first start was at Arrowhead, one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL and a defense with good edge rushers. He also faced the Bengals 3 times (twice on the road), the Broncos twice (once on the road) and played at Seattle.

Sure, there were 5 games that were much more friendly (Browns x 2, Colts, Raiders and Ravens), but the other 7 games are really challenging for a left tackle with so little experience at the position.

 

[Punxsutawney]

The other day I was thinking about Villaneuva and it occurred to me that he really got thrown into the fire in terms of facing good defenses with good pass rushers and in terms of going into some of the tougher venues in the NFL.

He started 12 games including the playoffs. His first start was at Arrowhead, one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL and a defense with good edge rushers. He also faced the Bengals 3 times (twice on the road), the Broncos twice (once on the road) and played at Seattle.

Sure, there were 5 games that were much more friendly (Browns x 2, Colts, Raiders and Ravens), but the other 7 games are really challenging for a left tackle with so little experience at the position.

That's what I'm thinking as well.

I mean, both Brady and Newton were hit/sacked beyond belief, yet Ben remained relatively clean for much of the game. Either the Steelers have a relatively special pair of tackles , or it was a fluke.

 

[fedderone]

Gilbert should go to Mike and thank him for turning him into something other than mediocre.

And then the Steelers should give MM a raise. As right there might be the best positional coach on the team.

Quoted for truth, facts, and accuracy.
With everything that happened injury wise this year, if we didn't have Mike Munchak as our O-Line coach, we'd be picking top 10.
He took the garbage we complained about for years and turned them into players.
I'm convinced we no longer have to overpay to keep mediocre talent when ol' Mikey will just turn the poop he's given into gold.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Good Point. WHat a difference munchak has made..

 

[mightyguru]

They allowed Miller and Ware to make some plays in the playoff game, but has anyone else become more impressed with the Steelers tackles, given how Miller and Ware totally destroyed the blocking of the Patriots and Panthers?

Villenuva and Gilbert are good pass protectors.

Been a while since I felt this confident about our O-Line. Young and able...and Al is only gonna get better, while Gilbert is already at Pro=Bowl level. Munch makes a HUGE difference.