Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert has been burdened by a fair share of daunting assignments this season.
Gilbert had to face Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who is tied for the NFL lead in sacks with 17, twice this season. In the duration of those two games, Gilbert gave up three sacks to Dumervil.
In Week 7, the Steelers hosted the Houston Texans. In that game, Gilbert dealt with Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who ranks second in the league in sacks with 16.5, and is arguably the best player in football. However, Gilbert only lasted 19 snaps in the game before Mike Adams replaced him at right tackle.
Gilbert has one more mountainous obstacle this regular season: Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston.
This Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs — wielding an 8-6 record and desperately clinging to playoff hopes — play the Steelers, a team that is 9-5, and is looking to compete in the playoffs for the first time in three years. The most meaningful matchup of this game is that of Gilbert versus Houston.
Gilbert has not played since Week 11; he has sat out the last three weeks with a right ankle injury. Nevertheless, Gilbert is expected to start at right tackle against the Chiefs.
Gilbert has played commendably in his 10 starts of the 2014 season. Of his 10 starts, he produced three subpar performances. In his first two games of the season, Gilbert allowed four sacks, which were games the Steelers played against the Browns and Ravens. His third unsatisfactory performance was his latest start of the season, which was against the Titans — a game in which he gave up one sack and five quarterback hurries.
Houston is undoubtedly going to be an All-Pro and a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Houston knows how to disrupt passing games. He presently boasts a total of 17 sacks, which is tied for most in the NFL. Moreover, his 52 quarterback hurries are a league best. Houston is a huge reason why the Chiefs are ranked second in the league against the pass.
This Sunday, Gilbert and Houston are going to immensely impact the success of their respective teams. To stifle the Steelers potent pass attack, the Chiefs must pressure Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and a great deal of the Chiefs’ pass rush comes from Houston. Conversely, of course, the Steelers want to abstain Roethlisberger from being pressured as much as possible, and for most of the game, Gilbert will line up against Houston.
Houston possesses an extremely incredible speed off the snap of the ball. However, that is something Gilbert can match; he has the keen ability to protect the edge off the snap during pass plays, but that could prove to be detrimental to him, because Houston is capable of changing directions and going inside. Definitely, Houston has the edge in the strength department; he is a great bull rusher.
Gilbert’s toughest task yet of 2014 comes this Sunday. If Gilbert plays poorly, the Steelers chances of winning diminish remarkably.
*All stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference
