Heading into his fifth season, Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert had been on a general upward trajectory throughout his career, though one not precipitous enough to reach a level of satisfaction for many. He still had some obvious technique issues that held him back.
And he also had a number of injuries that hampered him throughout his career. It caused him most of his second season in the league, and he missed several games last year as well due to an ankle injury.
These peaks and valleys have been the source of much frustration, but all the concerns that have followed the former second-round draft pick out of Florida have really begun to fall away in earnest this season, his second under offensive line coach Mike Munchak.