Things have been rough.
Anyways, I plan on continuing my breakdown by position of the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers.
We move on by looking at the defensive side of the ball by starting on the defensive line.
The Steelrs D-Line has a load of questions, from Aaron Smith's recovery to Casey Hampton's stomach to the fact that no one really knows who else is playing on the line in the 3-4 set.
But it is what it is.
___
Defensive Tackle: B
1) Casey Hampton
2) Chris Hoke
3) Scott Paxson
- Casey Hampton has been the lead story of training camp because he was too out of shape to complete the running drill on Day 1, so he now finds himself on the PUP list. Hampton has always been a big guy and it's ability to use his size that has anchored the Steelers defense the last couple years. Hopefully he can get into a little better shape while maintaining his skills (See: Stomach) that makes him a Pro Bowl caliber player.
- Chris Hoke is a solid backup in a 3-4 set but probably wouldn't deserve to start if the Steelers were to transition into a 4-3 style. He has filled in at times for Hampton on longer drives and can make plays from time to time but isn't the solution if Hampton can't go come opening day.
- Paxson enters his second season with the team after a good career at Penn State. He most likely won't see the field much this season unless Hoke and Hampton fall into injury.
___
Defensive End: B-
1) Aaron Smith
2) Brett Keisel
3) Ryan Mcbean
4) Travis Kirschke
5) Nick Eason
6) Bruce Davis
- Smith is a great player but was cut short last season due to 2 torn bicep muscles against the New England Cheaters. If he can rebound from the injury he will be a great help to the D-Line. His blend of size and speed allows him to find the wholes that are opened by Casey Hamptons's girth.
- Brett Keisel is a solid player whose better years are fading away. Now in his 8th season, he will look to win a starting job on the outside, a position that should be his for the taking. he has had some memorable moments as a Steeler, including sacking Jon Kitna 2 times in the 2005 AFC Playoffs.
- I feel as if Mcbean might turn into a draft-day steal for the Steelers one day. He is a good player but is still young. With experience he could blossom into the next starter on the outside for the Steelers.
- Kirschke is a leader for the team more than anything. He is now going to be in his 13th season in the NFL and knows the game. He is a good leader and still has some abilities in the ST game and on the Defensive side of things as well.
- Eason had to play last year due to injuries and it became apparent that he wasn't the replacement. Despite actually playing a good game against the Jagholds in the playoffs he was really eaten alive most of the time out there. He could though turn into a good player with time.
- Davis is the newest addition to the team. He was drafter in the 3rd Round out of UCLA and brings a good body and a Linebacker mentality to the line.
___
So that's it for the D-Line. The line has always been overlooked by the Steelers great play at linebacker, a position we will look at tomorrow. But, without the good line play in the past the backers would not have been able to do what they did, so it's important that the Line stays healthy this season.
No comments:
Post a Comment