Quick response: What are your concerns/strengths for this year?

[Djfan]

Concerns: O line and Dbacks. Even though we have improved there, it doesn't make me brag to other teams.

Strengths: Passing game and D line. They just look good and deep.

[hawaiiansteel]

Strengths: Passing game and D line. They just look good and deep.

Source: Depth Along Steelers Defensive Line is a Concern

by Neal Coolong on Aug 23, 2012



Probably the most underrated positional unit the Pittsburgh Steelers have had in their run of success over the last decade has been their defensive line.

DEs Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel flanked NT Casey Hampton and back-up NT Chris Hoke, and all of them contributed extensively to a run of run-stopping dominance in that time.

Smith and Hoke are retired, Hampton is probably on his last leg (pun intended), and while Keisel still plays at a high level, the jury is still out on DE Ziggy Hood. The spotlight will be on him this season, heading into the critical fourth year of his five-year rookie contract.

Cameron Heyward, the back-up at both defensive end spots, is more of a concern. With Keisel's age and contract next season, the Steelers drafted Heyward to eventually be groomed into a starter, but thus far in 2012, he hasn't showed he's capable of playing extensive snaps, let alone start.

I spoke with a well-placed source who said the Steelers are disappointed in Heyward's development to this point, and his propensity to fight. Heyward got in three altercations during training camp, two against rookie OL Kelvin Beachum and one against LG Willie Colon.

Heyward, through two preseason games, hasn't played with the starting group, and hasn't really flashed anything going against the 2s, either. Heyward is gifted athletically, and his strength and quickness are apparent, but he looks slow to react to the play after the snap. HIs athleticism doesn't help much if he isn't anticipating what the offense is doing.

While he is young, the Steelers' alleged disappointment in the second-year player is understandable. Keisel has been injured multiple times the last two seasons, and defensive line coach Johnny MItchell rotates the linemen as often as the depth of the team lets them.

By this account, it doesn't seem like depth within the defensive line is an advantage the Steelers currently enjoy.

Another point of frustration the source noted was with rookie NT Alameda Ta'amu, of whom the source said "doesn't get it." That's not necessarily a bad thing, but Hampton is not only just returning from a torn ACL, he's hinting at having had elbow surgery as well. NT Steve McLendon has proved to be at worst a serviceable back-up to Hampton, but between a second-year defensive end who's frustrating coaches on his lack of progress and a rookie who, by the source's account, isn't ready to see the field, one injury could create a problem within a unit that once prided itself on being one of the best in the NFL.

[URL]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/23/3262338/steelers-preseason-depth-chart-defensive-line-cameron-heyward-alameda-taamu[/URL]

[Djfan]

Are you going to believe one "Mr. Neal Coolong" or me?!?!?

[NJ-STEELER]

Source: Depth Along Steelers Defensive Line is a Concern

by Neal Coolong on Aug 23, 2012



Probably the most underrated positional unit the Pittsburgh Steelers have had in their run of success over the last decade has been their defensive line.

DEs Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel flanked NT Casey Hampton and back-up NT Chris Hoke, and all of them contributed extensively to a run of run-stopping dominance in that time.

Smith and Hoke are retired, Hampton is probably on his last leg (pun intended), and while Keisel still plays at a high level, the jury is still out on DE Ziggy Hood. The spotlight will be on him this season, heading into the critical fourth year of his five-year rookie contract.

Cameron Heyward, the back-up at both defensive end spots, is more of a concern. With Keisel's age and contract next season, the Steelers drafted Heyward to eventually be groomed into a starter, but thus far in 2012, he hasn't showed he's capable of playing extensive snaps, let alone start.

I spoke with a well-placed source who said the Steelers are disappointed in Heyward's development to this point, and his propensity to fight. Heyward got in three altercations during training camp, two against rookie OL Kelvin Beachum and one against LG Willie Colon.

Heyward, through two preseason games, hasn't played with the starting group, and hasn't really flashed anything going against the 2s, either. Heyward is gifted athletically, and his strength and quickness are apparent, but he looks slow to react to the play after the snap. HIs athleticism doesn't help much if he isn't anticipating what the offense is doing.

While he is young, the Steelers' alleged disappointment in the second-year player is understandable. Keisel has been injured multiple times the last two seasons, and defensive line coach Johnny MItchell rotates the linemen as often as the depth of the team lets them.

By this account, it doesn't seem like depth within the defensive line is an advantage the Steelers currently enjoy.

Another point of frustration the source noted was with rookie NT Alameda Ta'amu, of whom the source said "doesn't get it." That's not necessarily a bad thing, but Hampton is not only just returning from a torn ACL, he's hinting at having had elbow surgery as well. NT Steve McLendon has proved to be at worst a serviceable back-up to Hampton, but between a second-year defensive end who's frustrating coaches on his lack of progress and a rookie who, by the source's account, isn't ready to see the field, one injury could create a problem within a unit that once prided itself on being one of the best in the NFL.

[URL]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/8/23/3262338/steelers-preseason-depth-chart-defensive-line-cameron-heyward-alameda-taamu[/URL]

thats not too encouraging being that we spent 2 #1 picks in 3 years to shore that area up

could the reason they are 'not getting it' be cause they come from an attacking college defense and come here and have to learn how to play 2 gap and take up space for the LBs ?

so, why are we spending high picks (higher pedigree) to only hold OL up?

[fordfixer]

What are My concerns?

how am I going to afford to get to New Orleans to watch the Steelers win #7 ?????????????????

[Discipline of Steel]

I am concerned the replacement refs will manage the games unfairly and make too many retarded calls against players playing too hard. I am also concerend Herr Goodell will continue his crusade against the Steelers and pussify the sport beyond watchability.

[steelblood]

#1. Injuries
A. Ben
B. Harrison
C. Troy

[DukieBoy]

concern - injuries. Strength - no glaring weakness, offense by haley and ben.

[Oviedo]

Strengths:

1. The offense will finally be stronger under Haley
2. WRs/TE
3. DL-will be better than many think. IMO the most improved unit on the defense, but unfortunately will not be utilized to fully take advantage of that.
4. Head Coach--IMO one of the Top 3 in the league.

Concerns:

1. LBs-former strength is now a serious concern with no depth and injury issues. Bad news for a 3-4 team that relies on LBs.
2. Kicking-Can't believe Suisham was the best available. Really? Will cost us a game or two.

[phillyesq]

Ovi - good point on the kicking game. Hadn't thought too much about that.

Carter looks to be much better than he was last year, but my biggest concern at this point is the health of Harrison. The offensive line is also a bit of a concern. I think swapping out Kemo with Colon should be an improvement, and hopefully Gilbert takes a step forward, but the line still has a way to progress.

I think Heath and the WRs should be a strength, as well as some of the obvious - Ben, Troy, etc.