Steelers Film Room: Matt Feiler more than capable filling in for Marcus Gilbert

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are unfortunately getting used to seeing someone else manning the right tackle position other than Marcus Gilbert the past three seasons. Due to injury or suspension, Gilbert will miss his 14th game over the past three seasons. Backup Matt Feiler appears to be poised to make his second start at right tackle this season. Feiler’s first start was against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his performance was positive.

Feiler should square off against Cleveland Browns defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. Ogdah is coming off a solid game against Tampa Bay where he had 1.5 sacks, a tackle for a loss, two pass deflections and five total tackles.

The missed block on the safety forces Conner back inside on the screen play which may have negated good yardage.

The following two pass plays show how Feiler has his struggles. The first play he gets knocked back and although he initially recovers, he ends up losing the handfight battle. This is being nit picky due to how long keeps his man at bay. The second play Feiler lets his man by and forces Ben Roethlisberger up the pocket and into the sack.

Feiler shined most of the game and the following was shown last to stress plays where he performed admirably. All three plays the film shows how he can run the defender up the arc and keep Big Ben clean in the pocket.

Two of his run blocking plays could not have occurred at a better time as the Steelers were looking to grind out the game and preserve the win.

The first run play he comes off the double team and kicks the linebacker out of the play. Just fundamental football. The second play was a monstrous first down run while the Steelers looked to chew up the clock. Feiler turns the linemen while on the double team but also takes out the linebacker on the 27 yard gain. The third play is again solid run blocking for nine yards to eat up the clock.

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett gets the limelight but Ogdah’s matchup against Feiler may be the one to focus upon. If Feiler can perform and he did during the Tampa Bay game, there should not be cause for concern. If he struggles, could the Steelers be forced to turn to rookie fourth-round pick, Chukwuma Okorafor? Steelers fans are sure hoping not.