83-Steelers-43
10-10-2007, 06:15 AM
Steelers' Hoke happy in backup role
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Chris Hoke was the Steelers' starting nose tackle Sunday, but it was easy to mistake him for Casey Hampton based on performance.
Hampton outweighs Hoke by at least 20 pounds, according to the team's media guide. Hoke is lighter on his feet and uses his quickness the way Hampton utilizes his strength to his advantage.
Making his second start in 12 months as a replacement for the injured Hampton, Hoke's play was important to a defense that gift-wrapped the Steelers' 21-0 win against Seattle at Heinz Field.
"The sign of a great defense is when guys go down, guys step up," defensive end Brett Keisel said. "Hoke stepped up big-time."
Hoke had one assist against Seattle, but Steelers' nose tackles aren't paid to make tackles as much as they are expected to take on double-team blockers and free up linebackers to make tackles.
The Steelers limited Seattle running back Shaun Alexander to 25 yards on 11 carries and held the Seahawks to 144 total yards.
Inside linebacker James Farrior had a monster game, with five tackles and 2 1/2 sacks.
"He's not as big as (Hampton), but I tell Hokie all the time he's my guy," said Farrior, tied for the AFC lead with four sacks. "I had my best year when Hokie was in there playing when (Hampton) got hurt (in 2004). I love Hokie."
Hoke -- who started 10 games three years ago when Hampton was lost for the season with a knee injury -- appreciates the compliment but understands his role.
Hampton didn't play against Seattle because of a hamstring injury. He hopes to return to the starting lineup for the Steelers' next game Oct. 21 against Denver. If Hampton still can't go, Hoke will make his second start of 2007.
"I love starting. I love going in there and filling in for Casey," Hoke said. "Backing up Casey, I learn a lot. Casey's a very good player, so I like to see how he plays football. Granted, he's a lot bigger and a lot stronger than me, but I try to look at the things he does well and emulate them.
"Coach (Mike) Tomlin always says everybody on the team is a playmaker and when you get out there, you've got to show it. I feel like I can get the job done, but I also feel like when Casey goes down the rest of the starters pick it up. I've been fortunate to get in there and have some success, but you've really got to attribute it to those guys."
Against Seattle, Hoke did his part. He took on double teams and plugged the middle, making it diffcult for Alexander to locate running lanes. The Seahawks also struggled in the passing game.
"When Casey's taking on a double team, he can take a deep breath and kind of hold his own," Hoke said. "When I'm taking on a double team, I've really got to get underneath to get leverage. I'm a little lighter than Casey, so I've really got to use my quickness a little more, use my technique a little more."
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_531816.html
By John Harris
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Chris Hoke was the Steelers' starting nose tackle Sunday, but it was easy to mistake him for Casey Hampton based on performance.
Hampton outweighs Hoke by at least 20 pounds, according to the team's media guide. Hoke is lighter on his feet and uses his quickness the way Hampton utilizes his strength to his advantage.
Making his second start in 12 months as a replacement for the injured Hampton, Hoke's play was important to a defense that gift-wrapped the Steelers' 21-0 win against Seattle at Heinz Field.
"The sign of a great defense is when guys go down, guys step up," defensive end Brett Keisel said. "Hoke stepped up big-time."
Hoke had one assist against Seattle, but Steelers' nose tackles aren't paid to make tackles as much as they are expected to take on double-team blockers and free up linebackers to make tackles.
The Steelers limited Seattle running back Shaun Alexander to 25 yards on 11 carries and held the Seahawks to 144 total yards.
Inside linebacker James Farrior had a monster game, with five tackles and 2 1/2 sacks.
"He's not as big as (Hampton), but I tell Hokie all the time he's my guy," said Farrior, tied for the AFC lead with four sacks. "I had my best year when Hokie was in there playing when (Hampton) got hurt (in 2004). I love Hokie."
Hoke -- who started 10 games three years ago when Hampton was lost for the season with a knee injury -- appreciates the compliment but understands his role.
Hampton didn't play against Seattle because of a hamstring injury. He hopes to return to the starting lineup for the Steelers' next game Oct. 21 against Denver. If Hampton still can't go, Hoke will make his second start of 2007.
"I love starting. I love going in there and filling in for Casey," Hoke said. "Backing up Casey, I learn a lot. Casey's a very good player, so I like to see how he plays football. Granted, he's a lot bigger and a lot stronger than me, but I try to look at the things he does well and emulate them.
"Coach (Mike) Tomlin always says everybody on the team is a playmaker and when you get out there, you've got to show it. I feel like I can get the job done, but I also feel like when Casey goes down the rest of the starters pick it up. I've been fortunate to get in there and have some success, but you've really got to attribute it to those guys."
Against Seattle, Hoke did his part. He took on double teams and plugged the middle, making it diffcult for Alexander to locate running lanes. The Seahawks also struggled in the passing game.
"When Casey's taking on a double team, he can take a deep breath and kind of hold his own," Hoke said. "When I'm taking on a double team, I've really got to get underneath to get leverage. I'm a little lighter than Casey, so I've really got to use my quickness a little more, use my technique a little more."
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_531816.html