The Steelers’ RT will need more help vs. Von Miller than was given against the Jaguars

Denver Broncos strong-side linebacker Von Miller could be poised to have back to back AFC Defensive Player of the week honors when the Pittsburgh Steelers play in Denver. Right tackle Matt Feiler has been filling in for injured starter Marcus Gilbert, but both might be inactive today due to injuries. If Feiler is unable to suit up, rookie fourth-round pick Chuks Okorafor could see extensive action.

Feiler is coming off his worst performance of the year when he gave up a sack and four QB pressures to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Whoever ends up getting the start will be tasked with slowing down Miller which is not an easy task. Miller is tied for fourth in the NFL with 10 sacks and is looking to bring home his seventh Pro Bowl selection in eight seasons.

The Steelers may have to give extra help to the right tackle position, something that the team did not do much with Feiler during the last game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite Feiler struggling, he was predominantly left on an island with only a few chip blocks from running back James Conner and a solitary double team from right guard David DeCastro. Tight ends Jesse James and Vance McDonald combined for 48 snaps but neither were asked to help a struggling Feiler to block.

In the video below is the three effective chip blocks from Conner and the double team from DeCastro.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will have to be cognizant of how effective the right tackle spot is against Miller and make adjustments to keep quarterback Ben Roethlisberger upright.

The effective use of Gilbert, tight end Heath Miller and running back DeAngelo Williams against Miller in the 2015 regular season game kept the Broncos star off the stat sheet with zero tackles or sacks. Hopefully, the coaching staff has looked back at that game to see how effective the use of the tight ends, running backs and double teams helped Gilbert keep Miller from Big Ben.

Will the Steelers leave the right tackle out on an island, as they did most of last week? Or will the team realize that whoever is out there at right tackle will need the same help as Gilbert did in 2015? Steelers fans hope that the outcome will be the same as it was in in 2015 with another check mark in the win column.