Gilbert holding down right side for Steelers
Right tackle Marcus Gilbert will be key for the Steelers against the Broncos Sunday at Heinz Field.
Right tackle Marcus Gilbert will be key for the Steelers against the Broncos Sunday at Heinz Field.
PITTSBURGH – As the play clock ticked down to zero, Cincinnati defensive end Carlos Dunlap launched himself off the line of scrimmage as if he had rockets on his shoes.
Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert never had a chance, and as a result, neither did quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was blasted by Dunlap at full speed.
Dunlap’s third-quarter sack of the Pittsburgh quarterback in the Steelers’ 33-20 victory Sunday over the Bengals ended a streak of success for Gilbert that should garner him some Pro Bowl attention.
The sack was the first allowed by Gilbert this season. He took it hard.
“We have to keep our quarterback clean,” the 27-year-old Gilbert said. “To see him get hit like that untouched, weighs a lot on me. I hold myself to a high standard. I didn’t get it done that play.”
Gilbert has gotten the job done despite facing some big-time pass rushers, including Kansas City’s Justin Houston, Baltimore’s Elvis Dumervil and Oakland’s Khalil Mack.
Gilbert’s play has justified the five-year, $30.8-million contract extension the Steelers gave him last year, one that many questioned given his up-and-down play to that point.
This week, he’ll face another tall task in Denver’s Von Miller, who has a sack in five consecutive games and four seasons with at least 10 sacks in his first five years in the league.
The Miller-vs.-Gilbert matchup will be one of many to focus on when the Steelers (8-5) host Denver (10-3) Sunday at Heinz Field.
Gilbert isn’t about to back down from Miller. The two have remained friendly after meeting at the Senior Bowl in 2011 and Gilbert looks forward to playing against his old friend.
“I respect him as a player. He’s also a good friend, so it’s going to be a good matchup,” said Gilbert. “When a young linebacker comes in, I tell them to watch him. He’s really good with his hands. He’s quick and powerful. He’s one of those guys who you have to account for, wherever he is on the field.”
Gilbert would like to be looked upon the same way. He has flourished under the tutelage of offensive line coach Mike Munchak, becoming one of the best right tackles in the league.
“I’m just getting better and improving every game,” said Gilbert. “It’s my second year under Coach Munch. It’s really helping me. I’ve got to give the credit all the guys on my line. All of us are getting better. We’re pushing each other to become great.”
He will need to be great against Miller. In 69 career games, the former Texas A&M star has 59 sacks. He also has forced 16 fumbles.
“I don’t know if there is anyone who gets off the snap quicker than he does,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley. “He is just a talented guy who has a plan. You just see him do everything.”
After allowing his first sack last week on a pure speed rush, Gilbert will be on edge for this matchup.
“It was something I couldn’t control,” Gilbert said of the sack. “The play clock as at one. We tried to change protection. He timed it up so well. Hats off to him.”
Blocking quick pass rushers is something for which Gilbert spent the entire offseason preparing. He resculpted his body, dropping more than 25 pounds and is playing at 305.
The added footspeed has served him well. That will be crucial against the Broncos, who like to send five rushers on each play and try to win one-on-one matchups.
“If they’re going to bring five, then it’s five-on-five and we have to win up front,” Gilbert said. “It’s a fun matchup, especially for a tackle to go up against the best. Who wouldn’t want to face that challenge?”
Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams was sick Thursday and sat out practice. Also missing practice Thursday were safety Mike Mitchell (shoulder) and linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee). Linebacker Bud Dupree (back) was limited. … Roethlisberger needs 11 passing yards to become the sixth player in NFL history to throw for 3,000 yards in 10 consecutive seasons. … After saying Wednesday that his client had not been fined for a low hit on Roethlisberger last Sunday, the agent for Cincinnati linebacker Vontaze Burfict said Thursday his client has received a fine from the NFL. He is appealing the fine. It was one of three fines he received for his conduct during the game.