Mike Adams started at left tackle in place of the injured Kelvin Beachum on Sunday, and did a good job of keeping Ben’s jersey clean. Adams started off slowly, but progressed as the game unfolded. Maybe it was the snow, as it was falling at it’s heaviest early in the game, or maybe it was nerves getting shaken off.

You could see his progression throughout the game. He displayed more confidence and quickness in his punch, and kept his assignments from laying a hand on Ben. His blocking in the run game was what you’d hope for, too, though he did far less of it. 45 of the plays he saw were in pass protection, where as 24 carried run blocking duties.

It should also be mentioned that schematically, he (and his counterpart on the right) did not have an extra lineman serving as a blocking tight end on the line. Coach Tomlin was asked about his performance in his weekly press conference and acknowledged his play.

‘I thought he represented himself well, and it was a great opportunity to get back to the tackle position, and show his capabilities in that area, but also I think that he’s been a positive contributor to our efforts with the things we’ve asked him to do at the extra tight end spot…it probably helped him get back on the field at the left tackle position.’, said Tomlin.

Adams showed that he remains a contender for the left tackle position, though he does need improvement, and will need to have more opportunities to remain in that conversation.