Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: It's Sink or Swim time

While I don't agree that he is a bust, I do think it is time for him to produce. If he doesn't this team will be SOL. I think he will. In some ways, Hood getting this playing time at this stage of his career will be a blessing. He'll never grow into a dominant 3-4 end without extended playing time. He should get it now.

I agree.
Too early to call him a bust, but given the circumstance (i.e. we drafted him #1 last year replace one of our aging DE's-->one of those DE's, our Star DE, goes down midway thru his rookie year-->Ziggy is unable to step in for him-->in other words, he was granted a "redshirt" year-->which is fine-->the next season, he isn't able to crack the starting lineup, which is reasonable considering who he's playing behind-->yet he hasn't even emerged as the #3 DE, against the likes of Nick Eason-->the aforementioned Star DE goes down again-->the team really needs someone to step up again-->same situation as last year, except he's had two camps and a full season to stew in his juices... you'd hope that he'd be able to step up and fill that prescription).

I disagree that he hasn't emerged as the #3 against the likes of Nick Eason. LeBeau doesn't necessarily have a #3 DE. He has a backup to Smith on the strong side (Hood) and a backup to Keisel on the weak side (Eason). When Keisel went down, it made sense for Eason to fill in there at first (since Hood typically practices on the other side). Now that Smith is now, Hood will fill in there as a starter.

The guys have to know how to play all positions on the line to give us flexibility (Hoke has played some at end, and Hood has played some at NT, for instance), but when picking a guy to start in place of an injured starter, it makes sense to choose the guy who is the primary backup for that particular slot (last game, that was Eason for Keisel, this week it will be Hood for Smith).

[phillyesq]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

It took Timmons a few years, Mendenhall a few years and it will take Hood a few years, but, chances are, when he steps in permanently at DE he will perform in a similar fashion to the way Timmons is performing this year.

It's how the Steelers do things, patient, methodical and calculated, they aren't changing unless they absolutely have to. We need Hood to perform, don't be surprised if he looks lost at times. it's normal. Be thankful that the Steelers rarely, if ever, are in such dire straits that they need a 1st round draft pick to perform at a high level immediately.

Even with Pouncey, they didn't need him to perform the way he is, he simply was able to beat out a bad center. If Hood was playing behind a bad DE, chances are, he'd win tyhe job, but he's playing behind the best 3-4 DE in the game over the past 7-8 years.

Pappy

Pappy,

I'm going to disagree slightly on it taking Mendy a couple of years. He was hurt in just his fourth game his rookie year, and last year, after a few shaky games, had the big game, the benching, and then he took off and never looked back. It took him less than a season's worth of games to really establish himself.

I like the Steelers' way. I don't expect rookies, even first rounders, to step in and start their first season. However, with the financial reality of today's NFL, first round picks need to be able to step up and contribute in their second year. I have no reason to believe that Ziggy won't do exactly that - but I think he is still an unknown.

[SteelCzar76]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

Here's to hoping that Hood will step up and be effective. He's a good kid. However,...when i watch him,...i still see an average pure 4-3 DT whom has difficulty handling single blockers. (let alone the two (blockers) required to make an impact in a 3-4.)

Some may disagree (though i don't know how if you have eyes) but we will all know for certain soon enough exactly what he's "working with" in terms of skill set, strength, intelligence and intangibles.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

Here's to hoping that Hood will step up and be effective. He's a good kid. However,...when i watch him,...i still see an average pure 4-3 DT whom has difficulty handling single blockers. (let alone the two (blockers) required to make an impact in a 3-4.)

Some may disagree (though i don't know how if you have eyes) but we will all know for certain soon enough exactly what he's "working with" in terms of skill set, strength, intelligence and intangibles.

Thanks for reasoning out a justification for your opinion, rather than resorting to a stock "ordinary as a bowl of grits" type of answer.

[SteelCzar76]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

Here's to hoping that Hood will step up and be effective. He's a good kid. However,...when i watch him,...i still see an average pure 4-3 DT whom has difficulty handling single blockers. (let alone the two (blockers) required to make an impact in a 3-4.)

Some may disagree (though i don't know how if you have eyes) but we will all know for certain soon enough exactly what he's "working with" in terms of skill set, strength, intelligence and intangibles.

Thanks for reasoning out a justification for your opinion, rather than resorting to a stock "ordinary as a bowl of grits" type of answer.

Well you know Ruthless,.. generally speaking... Grits are as they do.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

Here's to hoping that Hood will step up and be effective. He's a good kid. However,...when i watch him,...i still see an average pure 4-3 DT whom has difficulty handling single blockers. (let alone the two (blockers) required to make an impact in a 3-4.)

Some may disagree (though i don't know how if you have eyes) but we will all know for certain soon enough exactly what he's "working with" in terms of skill set, strength, intelligence and intangibles.

Thanks for reasoning out a justification for your opinion, rather than resorting to a stock "ordinary as a bowl of grits" type of answer.

Well you know Ruthless,.. generally speaking... Grits are as they do.

Grits are for kissin'!

[SteelCzar76]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

Here's to hoping that Hood will step up and be effective. He's a good kid. However,...when i watch him,...i still see an average pure 4-3 DT whom has difficulty handling single blockers. (let alone the two (blockers) required to make an impact in a 3-4.)

Some may disagree (though i don't know how if you have eyes) but we will all know for certain soon enough exactly what he's "working with" in terms of skill set, strength, intelligence and intangibles.

Thanks for reasoning out a justification for your opinion, rather than resorting to a stock "ordinary as a bowl of grits" type of answer.

Well you know Ruthless,.. generally speaking... Grits are as they do.

Grits are for kissin'!

Thanks but no thanks Ruthless,...much like Kim Jung Ill's Gangsta rap persona would say, "I get da Cash Money,..but no kiss like Baby. No homo,...i onry kiss raaaaaadies"

[papillon]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

It took Timmons a few years, Mendenhall a few years and it will take Hood a few years, but, chances are, when he steps in permanently at DE he will perform in a similar fashion to the way Timmons is performing this year.

It's how the Steelers do things, patient, methodical and calculated, they aren't changing unless they absolutely have to. We need Hood to perform, don't be surprised if he looks lost at times. it's normal. Be thankful that the Steelers rarely, if ever, are in such dire straits that they need a 1st round draft pick to perform at a high level immediately.

Even with Pouncey, they didn't need him to perform the way he is, he simply was able to beat out a bad center. If Hood was playing behind a bad DE, chances are, he'd win tyhe job, but he's playing behind the best 3-4 DE in the game over the past 7-8 years.

Pappy

Pappy,

I'm going to disagree slightly on it taking Mendy a couple of years. He was hurt in just his fourth game his rookie year, and last year, after a few shaky games, had the big game, the benching, and then he took off and never looked back. It took him less than a season's worth of games to really establish himself.

I like the Steelers' way. I don't expect rookies, even first rounders, to step in and start their first season. However, with the financial reality of today's NFL, first round picks need to be able to step up and contribute in their second year. I have no reason to believe that Ziggy won't do exactly that - but I think he is still an unknown.

Injuries, fumbles and not being on point in practice all lead to Mendenhall taking a few years to make an impact. Do I think he would have had an impact sooner without the injuries? fumbles? being on task in practice? Absolutely, but he wasn't and so, it took him a few years.

Fortunately for the Steelers they are rarely drafting in a position that commands the 20 - 30 million dollar signing bonus before ever having played a down of football in the NFL. Ben's contract was the last big rookie contract and it wasn't even close to Bradford's, Suh's, the kid in Detroit, etc. In any event, I still think the Steelers would take their time and work a player in when they believe he is ready (Timmons), wins the job outright (Pouncey) or a player is injured (Ben).

It's how the Steelers do things; quite frankly, I'm surprised that other teams can't see this and copycat what the Steelers do. After all, they are the most successful football franchise on the field over the past 40 years.

Pappy

[Oviedo]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

It took Timmons a few years, Mendenhall a few years and it will take Hood a few years, but, chances are, when he steps in permanently at DE he will perform in a similar fashion to the way Timmons is performing this year.

It's how the Steelers do things, patient, methodical and calculated, they aren't changing unless they absolutely have to. We need Hood to perform, don't be surprised if he looks lost at times. it's normal. Be thankful that the Steelers rarely, if ever, are in such dire straits that they need a 1st round draft pick to perform at a high level immediately.

Even with Pouncey, they didn't need him to perform the way he is, he simply was able to beat out a bad center. If Hood was playing behind a bad DE, chances are, he'd win tyhe job, but he's playing behind the best 3-4 DE in the game over the past 7-8 years.

Pappy

Pappy,

I'm going to disagree slightly on it taking Mendy a couple of years. He was hurt in just his fourth game his rookie year, and last year, after a few shaky games, had the big game, the benching, and then he took off and never looked back. It took him less than a season's worth of games to really establish himself.

I like the Steelers' way. I don't expect rookies, even first rounders, to step in and start their first season. However, with the financial reality of today's NFL, first round picks need to be able to step up and contribute in their second year. I have no reason to believe that Ziggy won't do exactly that - but I think he is still an unknown.

Injuries, fumbles and not being on point in practice all lead to Mendenhall taking a few years to make an impact. Do I think he would have had an impact sooner without the injuries? fumbles? being on task in practice? Absolutely, but he wasn't and so, it took him a few years.

Fortunately for the Steelers they are rarely drafting in a position that commands the 20 - 30 million dollar signing bonus before ever having played a down of football in the NFL. Ben's contract was the last big rookie contract and it wasn't even close to Bradford's, Suh's, the kid in Detroit, etc. In any event, I still think the Steelers would take their time and work a player in when they believe he is ready (Timmons), wins the job outright (Pouncey) or a player is injured (Ben).

It's how the Steelers do things; quite frankly, I'm surprised that other teams can't see this and copycat what the Steelers do. After all, they are the most successful football franchise on the field over the past 40 years.

Pappy

Other teams worry about their fans complaining that young players aren't doing enough. Thats why those teams rush players in before they're ready and then get to draft very high year after year.

[papillon]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

It took Timmons a few years, Mendenhall a few years and it will take Hood a few years, but, chances are, when he steps in permanently at DE he will perform in a similar fashion to the way Timmons is performing this year.

It's how the Steelers do things, patient, methodical and calculated, they aren't changing unless they absolutely have to. We need Hood to perform, don't be surprised if he looks lost at times. it's normal. Be thankful that the Steelers rarely, if ever, are in such dire straits that they need a 1st round draft pick to perform at a high level immediately.

Even with Pouncey, they didn't need him to perform the way he is, he simply was able to beat out a bad center. If Hood was playing behind a bad DE, chances are, he'd win tyhe job, but he's playing behind the best 3-4 DE in the game over the past 7-8 years.

Pappy

Pappy,

I'm going to disagree slightly on it taking Mendy a couple of years. He was hurt in just his fourth game his rookie year, and last year, after a few shaky games, had the big game, the benching, and then he took off and never looked back. It took him less than a season's worth of games to really establish himself.

I like the Steelers' way. I don't expect rookies, even first rounders, to step in and start their first season. However, with the financial reality of today's NFL, first round picks need to be able to step up and contribute in their second year. I have no reason to believe that Ziggy won't do exactly that - but I think he is still an unknown.

Injuries, fumbles and not being on point in practice all lead to Mendenhall taking a few years to make an impact. Do I think he would have had an impact sooner without the injuries? fumbles? being on task in practice? Absolutely, but he wasn't and so, it took him a few years.

Fortunately for the Steelers they are rarely drafting in a position that commands the 20 - 30 million dollar signing bonus before ever having played a down of football in the NFL. Ben's contract was the last big rookie contract and it wasn't even close to Bradford's, Suh's, the kid in Detroit, etc. In any event, I still think the Steelers would take their time and work a player in when they believe he is ready (Timmons), wins the job outright (Pouncey) or a player is injured (Ben).

It's how the Steelers do things; quite frankly, I'm surprised that other teams can't see this and copycat what the Steelers do. After all, they are the most successful football franchise on the field over the past 40 years.

Pappy

Other teams worry about their fans complaining that young players aren't doing enough. Thats why those teams rush players in before they're ready and then get to draft very high year after year.

I've often wondered how many players could have been good or very good, but were rushed into playing and were never given the proper time to adjust, learn and gain confidence. Then the team sucks, they fire the head coach and OC and a second year player is now learning an new system and mindset. Wash, rinse repeat until the player is a bust.

Pappy

[phillyesq]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

It took Timmons a few years, Mendenhall a few years and it will take Hood a few years, but, chances are, when he steps in permanently at DE he will perform in a similar fashion to the way Timmons is performing this year.

It's how the Steelers do things, patient, methodical and calculated, they aren't changing unless they absolutely have to. We need Hood to perform, don't be surprised if he looks lost at times. it's normal. Be thankful that the Steelers rarely, if ever, are in such dire straits that they need a 1st round draft pick to perform at a high level immediately.

Even with Pouncey, they didn't need him to perform the way he is, he simply was able to beat out a bad center. If Hood was playing behind a bad DE, chances are, he'd win tyhe job, but he's playing behind the best 3-4 DE in the game over the past 7-8 years.

Pappy

Pappy,

I'm going to disagree slightly on it taking Mendy a couple of years. He was hurt in just his fourth game his rookie year, and last year, after a few shaky games, had the big game, the benching, and then he took off and never looked back. It took him less than a season's worth of games to really establish himself.

I like the Steelers' way. I don't expect rookies, even first rounders, to step in and start their first season. However, with the financial reality of today's NFL, first round picks need to be able to step up and contribute in their second year. I have no reason to believe that Ziggy won't do exactly that - but I think he is still an unknown.

Injuries, fumbles and not being on point in practice all lead to Mendenhall taking a few years to make an impact. Do I think he would have had an impact sooner without the injuries? fumbles? being on task in practice? Absolutely, but he wasn't and so, it took him a few years.

Fortunately for the Steelers they are rarely drafting in a position that commands the 20 - 30 million dollar signing bonus before ever having played a down of football in the NFL. Ben's contract was the last big rookie contract and it wasn't even close to Bradford's, Suh's, the kid in Detroit, etc. In any event, I still think the Steelers would take their time and work a player in when they believe he is ready (Timmons), wins the job outright (Pouncey) or a player is injured (Ben).

It's how the Steelers do things; quite frankly, I'm surprised that other teams can't see this and copycat what the Steelers do. After all, they are the most successful football franchise on the field over the past 40 years.

Pappy

All I'm saying re: Mendy is that it didn't take him as long to develop as it appears. Yes, calendar wise, it took him about a year and half. But in terms of actual games, he progressed quickly, and was contributing within a half season or so of actual games.

[papillon]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

It took Timmons a few years, Mendenhall a few years and it will take Hood a few years, but, chances are, when he steps in permanently at DE he will perform in a similar fashion to the way Timmons is performing this year.

It's how the Steelers do things, patient, methodical and calculated, they aren't changing unless they absolutely have to. We need Hood to perform, don't be surprised if he looks lost at times. it's normal. Be thankful that the Steelers rarely, if ever, are in such dire straits that they need a 1st round draft pick to perform at a high level immediately.

Even with Pouncey, they didn't need him to perform the way he is, he simply was able to beat out a bad center. If Hood was playing behind a bad DE, chances are, he'd win tyhe job, but he's playing behind the best 3-4 DE in the game over the past 7-8 years.

Pappy

Pappy,

I'm going to disagree slightly on it taking Mendy a couple of years. He was hurt in just his fourth game his rookie year, and last year, after a few shaky games, had the big game, the benching, and then he took off and never looked back. It took him less than a season's worth of games to really establish himself.

I like the Steelers' way. I don't expect rookies, even first rounders, to step in and start their first season. However, with the financial reality of today's NFL, first round picks need to be able to step up and contribute in their second year. I have no reason to believe that Ziggy won't do exactly that - but I think he is still an unknown.

Injuries, fumbles and not being on point in practice all lead to Mendenhall taking a few years to make an impact. Do I think he would have had an impact sooner without the injuries? fumbles? being on task in practice? Absolutely, but he wasn't and so, it took him a few years.

Fortunately for the Steelers they are rarely drafting in a position that commands the 20 - 30 million dollar signing bonus before ever having played a down of football in the NFL. Ben's contract was the last big rookie contract and it wasn't even close to Bradford's, Suh's, the kid in Detroit, etc. In any event, I still think the Steelers would take their time and work a player in when they believe he is ready (Timmons), wins the job outright (Pouncey) or a player is injured (Ben).

It's how the Steelers do things; quite frankly, I'm surprised that other teams can't see this and copycat what the Steelers do. After all, they are the most successful football franchise on the field over the past 40 years.

Pappy

All I'm saying re: Mendy is that it didn't take him as long to develop as it appears. Yes, calendar wise, it took him about a year and half. But in terms of actual games, he progressed quickly, and was contributing within a half season or so of actual games.

Yea, I realize that was what you were saying and I agree he would have had an impact much sooner, but many things conspired against him, some of his own doing and others Ray Lewis' doing.

Pappy

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

Is Steelers' Ziggy Hood ready?

October, 29, 2010

By James Walker



DE Ziggy Hood has been thrust into the starting lineup after an injury sidelined Aaron Smith.


Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noticed Ziggy Hood at the training facility early Tuesday -- the team's off day -- getting extra work. Without anyone saying a word, Hood knows the increased responsibility and big shoes he must fill this weekend against the reigning champion New Orleans Saints in his first career start.

Starting left defensive end Aaron Smith had triceps surgery on Monday and will be out for an extended period. Not only is Hood expected to replace him Sunday, but the former first-round pick likely will be the starter in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.

With just three tackles in six games this season, is Hood ready?

"He's not had the kind of production that he'd like thus far, but the season is still early," Tomlin said. "Boy, he's got a big-time opportunity to work on that this weekend. Knowing him, I know that he will do what’s necessary in the process."

With 22 games under his belt, Hood is not green by any means. Like a lot of young players in Pittsburgh, Hood has been slowly groomed for this moment.

The Steelers and defensive coordinator D!ck LeBeau run a complicated 3-4 scheme that takes time to learn. Current defensive stars Troy Polamalu, LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons and even Smith struggled or were non-factors as rookies. The same can be said for Hood, who played in all 16 games as a backup last year. He was in the rotation, spelling starters Smith and Brett Keisel, and recorded eight tackles and a sack.

Smith is not only Hood's predecessor, but he's also Hood's mentor. Smith often took time out of his schedule after practice and in training camp to work with Hood on technique. Their lockers are close and they talk strategy a lot in Pittsburgh's locker room and in meeting rooms.

Hood said he feels "awful" that Smith suffered another major injury -- his third in four years -- but said Smith remains "in good spirits." Hood wants to perform well Sunday not only for himself and the success of the team, but also for his mentor.

"When you lose a guy of high caliber like that it makes you want to work harder, because what he brings to the field, it's tough to replace," Hood told me this week. "I'm going to try to do my best and try to fill his shoes. But it may not be enough. That guy has so much experience that it's mind-boggling thinking about it. But I'm going to do everything I can in my power to make sure that I make him proud."

Many players make their biggest jump in the NFL in Year 2. Although Hood had a solid preseason, it has been difficult to gauge his progress with limited reps in the regular season.

We will know where Hood is in his development after this weekend. His snap count could triple against the Saints as a first-time starter, depending on the depth and availability of fellow starter Brett Keisel, who missed last week's game against Miami with a hamstring injury.

Backup Nick Eason replaced Keisel at right defensive end last week, because Hood has worked mostly as Smith's backup on the left side. Hood said he will be much more comfortable Sunday playing full time at left defensive end.

"If you practice for a long time on your left and try to switch over to your right, it's real fuzzy," Hood explained. "Your whole mechanics and how you view things is a little bit different. Not only are you switching calls and trying to pick up different signals, but your stance and alignment is different. So I'm going to try to learn as much as I can from both sides in case they need me for the long run."

Smith is one of the NFL's most underrated and consistent players. Pittsburgh's defense has suffered every time he has been unavailable because of injuries in recent years. But Hood was drafted last year in the first round to prevent that from happening again. The Steelers have rolled to a 5-1 start and hope Hood will be part of that continued success.

"We haven't seen it yet, but Hood has to be a better player than he was a year ago," said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. "Hood has ability, and defensive line coach John Mitchell is one of the best in the league. He's had a chance to bring him along, and Hood's been in the organization long enough to where there's no more excuses."

According to Tomlin, Hood doesn't have to be Aaron Smith. The Steelers have enough studs on defense capable of helping make up for the loss. Tomlin just doesn't want to see a noticeable dropoff in the NFL's fourth-ranked defense now that Hood is expected to be the long-term replacement.

"You know the philosophy we buy into in terms of the standard being the standard, and what we mean by that, quite frankly, is those who step in for [Smith] has to play winning football," Tomlin said. "There are no excuses... Do I expect the guys that take his place to play like Aaron, or make the similar kind of plays? Maybe not. But they better be above the line."

[url="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/19613/is-ziggy-hood-ready"]http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_ ... hood-ready[/url]

[Oviedo]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

Is Steelers' Ziggy Hood ready?

October, 29, 2010

By James Walker



DE Ziggy Hood has been thrust into the starting lineup after an injury sidelined Aaron Smith.


Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noticed Ziggy Hood at the training facility early Tuesday -- the team's off day -- getting extra work. Without anyone saying a word, Hood knows the increased responsibility and big shoes he must fill this weekend against the reigning champion New Orleans Saints in his first career start.

Starting left defensive end Aaron Smith had triceps surgery on Monday and will be out for an extended period. Not only is Hood expected to replace him Sunday, but the former first-round pick likely will be the starter in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.

With just three tackles in six games this season, is Hood ready?

"He's not had the kind of production that he'd like thus far, but the season is still early," Tomlin said. "Boy, he's got a big-time opportunity to work on that this weekend. Knowing him, I know that he will do what’s necessary in the process."

With 22 games under his belt, Hood is not green by any means. Like a lot of young players in Pittsburgh, Hood has been slowly groomed for this moment.

The Steelers and defensive coordinator D!ck LeBeau run a complicated 3-4 scheme that takes time to learn. Current defensive stars Troy Polamalu, LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons and even Smith struggled or were non-factors as rookies. The same can be said for Hood, who played in all 16 games as a backup last year. He was in the rotation, spelling starters Smith and Brett Keisel, and recorded eight tackles and a sack.

Smith is not only Hood's predecessor, but he's also Hood's mentor. Smith often took time out of his schedule after practice and in training camp to work with Hood on technique. Their lockers are close and they talk strategy a lot in Pittsburgh's locker room and in meeting rooms.

Hood said he feels "awful" that Smith suffered another major injury -- his third in four years -- but said Smith remains "in good spirits." Hood wants to perform well Sunday not only for himself and the success of the team, but also for his mentor.

"When you lose a guy of high caliber like that it makes you want to work harder, because what he brings to the field, it's tough to replace," Hood told me this week. "I'm going to try to do my best and try to fill his shoes. But it may not be enough. That guy has so much experience that it's mind-boggling thinking about it. But I'm going to do everything I can in my power to make sure that I make him proud."

Many players make their biggest jump in the NFL in Year 2. Although Hood had a solid preseason, it has been difficult to gauge his progress with limited reps in the regular season.

We will know where Hood is in his development after this weekend. His snap count could triple against the Saints as a first-time starter, depending on the depth and availability of fellow starter Brett Keisel, who missed last week's game against Miami with a hamstring injury.

Backup Nick Eason replaced Keisel at right defensive end last week, because Hood has worked mostly as Smith's backup on the left side. Hood said he will be much more comfortable Sunday playing full time at left defensive end.

"If you practice for a long time on your left and try to switch over to your right, it's real fuzzy," Hood explained. "Your whole mechanics and how you view things is a little bit different. Not only are you switching calls and trying to pick up different signals, but your stance and alignment is different. So I'm going to try to learn as much as I can from both sides in case they need me for the long run."

Smith is one of the NFL's most underrated and consistent players. Pittsburgh's defense has suffered every time he has been unavailable because of injuries in recent years. But Hood was drafted last year in the first round to prevent that from happening again. The Steelers have rolled to a 5-1 start and hope Hood will be part of that continued success.

"We haven't seen it yet, but Hood has to be a better player than he was a year ago," said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. "Hood has ability, and defensive line coach John Mitchell is one of the best in the league. He's had a chance to bring him along, and Hood's been in the organization long enough to where there's no more excuses."

According to Tomlin, Hood doesn't have to be Aaron Smith. The Steelers have enough studs on defense capable of helping make up for the loss. Tomlin just doesn't want to see a noticeable dropoff in the NFL's fourth-ranked defense now that Hood is expected to be the long-term replacement.

"You know the philosophy we buy into in terms of the standard being the standard, and what we mean by that, quite frankly, is those who step in for [Smith] has to play winning football," Tomlin said. "There are no excuses... Do I expect the guys that take his place to play like Aaron, or make the similar kind of plays? Maybe not. But they better be above the line."

[url="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/19613/is-ziggy-hood-ready"]http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_ ... hood-ready[/url]

LeBeau says he ready and anything he says is beyond questioning.

[Shawn]

Re: Ziggy Hood...child please!!!!

Hood is ready but he is not Smith...not yet. But, I "have eyes" and like what I see. I see a very inexperienced new player who show flashes of terrific talent. That combined with a strong work ethic will go far in furthering his career. I think he is going to make believers just like Timmons has made believers.