Dec 23, 2015 5 min read

PITTSBURGH – When the Steelers selected guard David DeCastro in the first round of the 2012 draft, the expectation was that he would anchor their offensive line for years to come.

That plan became a reality. After missing 12 games with a knee injury suffered in the preseason his rookie year, DeCastro has missed just one start over the past three seasons.

DeCastro’s expectations for himself were a little higher and he realized one of them Tuesday when he was named to his first Pro Bowl.

He was one of three Steelers named to the Pro Bowl roster, joining quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown. While Roethlisberger and Brown have been chosen to play in the NFL’s all-star game before, it’s the first time for the 25-year-old DeCastro.

“I was pretty excited, obviously. It’s a great honor to get that respect from your teammates and guys around the league,” DeCastro said as the Steelers (9-5) prepared for their game Sunday at Baltimore (4-10).

“I don’t know if you expect it, but you’re not surprised by it.”

DeCastro wasn’t surprised because he’s played at a high level since recovering from the ACL and MCL injuries that sidelined him for most of his rookie season.

The fact that he wasn’t among the top vote getters among the fan voting made it even more important to DeCastro. He presumably earned the nod because of the votes of the coaches and players around the league.

It’s tough to quantify the play of a lineman, particularly an interior lineman, at times because there are no offensive line statistics, but there are ways to judge.

“I think guys know that and recognize it. The more you watch (film), the more you get a feel for that,” said DeCastro.

“It doesn’t get much better than that in terms of respect. That’s why it’s a great honor.”

With All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey out for the season because of a broken leg that required two surgeries and left tackle Kelvin Beachum missing the past eight games with a torn ACL, the Steelers’ line could have fallen apart.

But DeCastro has helped anchor an offensive attack that ranks second in the NFL in total yards, fourth in points and has scored 30 or more points in a team-record six consecutive games.

He felt right tackle Marcus Gilbert, who has allowed one sack all season, also deserved consideration. Gilbert, while saying he felt he should have been selected as well – six left tackles and no right tackles were chosen – was just happy for his teammate.

“I’m just glad for David,” Gilbert said. “One of us is going to represent the entire line.”

The play of the line helped the Steelers survive not having Roethlisberger for four full games and parts of three others. The Steelers went 2-2 when Roethlisberger missed four games with a sprained knee and that ability to win without him has the team in position to clinch a spot in the AFC playoffs with a win over Baltimore this weekend coupled with a loss by the Jets to New England.

One of the Steelers’ losses without Roethlisberger came against the Ravens, when the Steelers couldn’t protect a 20-7 third quarter lead and missed two field goals in the closing moments, falling, 23-20, in overtime.

“It’s a big week. They got us earlier in the year,” DeCastro said. “They’re down with injuries and whatnot. I don’t think it really matters, though. It’s still Ravens-Steelers at their place, so it will be a lot of fun.”

Fun isn’t routinely talked about in the NFL because of the corporate nature that has taken over many aspects of the league. but at its basic nature, football is still a game and DeCastro has shown this season that he deserves mention among the league’s best.

“It’s something we expected,” said Roethlisberger of DeCastro’s selection. “We’ve seen it, just his hard work, his tenacity, he can run block, he can pass block. He’s very smart, technically sound and finishes every play, so I think other teams and other defensive linemen and linebackers have given him the ultimate honor.”

Odds and end zones

Safety Mike Mitchell (shoulder) was the only Steelers player to miss practice Wednesday because of an injury. … Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh refused to say who will start at quarterback for the Ravens against the Steelers. Matt Schaub and Jimmy Claussen have started games for Baltimore since Joe Flacco was lost to a knee injury last month. Monday, Harbaugh said Ryan Mallett, signed last week, would be in the mix to start against the Steelers, as well. … Steelers center Cody Wallace was fined $23,000 for a personal foul penalty in last Sunday’s win over Denver. Wallace was penalized for unneccessary roughness for hitting safety David Bruton after a play had been completed.