Two sportswriters tackle the Steelers' woes

Dejan Kovacevic: Long column, read here:

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/4954426-74/clark-oakland-steelers#axzz2j3M9Ybjo

Ray Fittipaldo: "Long term they have to come up with a plan for the offensive line. It's been an issue for about a decade now. Tomlin has had three offensive line coaches. At some point they need to become invested in a system. And, of course, it helps if the high draft picks they select play up to their billing. That hasn't happened. That's on offense. On defense, the lack of turnovers has been a problem for three years now. Nothing has changed in that time. I just think they need a difference maker or two, maybe a cornerback or a pass rusher who can start making some splash plays."

You can read Ray's chat transcript here:

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...chat-transcript-10-28-13/stories/201310280136

 

Was Adams and Gilbert drafted before we decided to go to that zone system?

I'm wondering if we need a different kind of tackle to fit this new system we run...

 

not sure but I think gilbert ran a lot of zone blocking schemes when at florida.

 

They need to do a better job of scouting O-lineman stop wasting high draft picks on busts like Adams and Gilbert.

 

It has always been my understanding that as long as Tomlin has been here they have used Zone blocking. It was what BA wanted to use and the first line coach they had Zeirlein(sp) was basically ignored o mutiny against by the OL and most were coach by Faneca his last year. Kugler came in and taught it a bit better but lacked the athletic players to run it properly besides Pouncey. Add to that the constant injuries and it was less effective than the power run blocking that many of us were used to. Enter new guy who is tasked with shaping this oline and using zone blocking principles in an outside zone blocking scheme. Again they draft some good players but they don't fit what they are trying to do.

 

What gets me why didn't the scouts see how soft Adams and Gilbert were and so slow footed before the draft? It would of only taken a game or two. This the most frustrating part to me.

 

Adams' combine numbers were a curiosity. He is 6-7 325 pounds but lifted 225 pounds just 19 times.

 

That is exactly what I'm saying...Adams and Gilbert are exactly in the mold of guys we have been drafting for years now. If we were targeting a different type of player they would be more like the guys you find of Denver or New England's line.

 

Now your talking about some offensive lineman. It still amazes me that some here think Adams and Gilbert will get better with time....