D-Line: old and slow
 

I would prefer a veteran D-line over a relatively young one but on Sunday they looked old and slow.

I've been saying for the past 2yrs that we should have been drafted a replacement for Casey Hampton. If you pay attention he really is a non-factor, he doesn't get the push he used to at the point of attack and he's being moved easily off the line.

We have our other replacements in line for the line (hood, heyward), but the NT has to be a priority in the future. I'm kind of disappointed they haven't drafted sooner. That will be a factor going forward. As we all know a NT is essential to a 3-4 D. With out one prepared to get ran on all year long.

Re: D-Line: old and slow
 

hampton plays like any other fat NT would play. he isn't worth that salary.

i am thinking the steelers will BPA either a CB, T/G or NT in the 2012 draft

Re: D-Line: old and slow
 

I was looking at the Steelers salary cap numbers and holy crappola looks like everyone on the team contract is up in 2011 or 2012.

Ben 2015
Woodley 2016
Harrison 2014
Pouncey 2014
Timmons 2016
Ward 2013
Taylor 2014
Miller 2014
Colon 2013
Kemo 2013
Keisel 2013
Clark 2013
Hood 2013
Heyward 2015
Suisham 2014
C Allen 2014
B Batck 2014
Saunders 2013
C Brown 2014

The above players are the only ones signed passed 2012

Re: D-Line: old and slow
 

You can't tell any difference if Hampton or Hoke is in the game....We were forced to sign Casey because we had no alternative, due to poor drafting...

Smith, Kiesel and Farrior are just painfully slow and get little or no pressure..

Re: D-Line: old and slow
 

The coaches preached good philosophy prior to the actual season starting...Start the vets, rotate in Hood and Heyward to give breathers....but they need to that on a very regular consistent basis...every series over 3 plays Hood and/or Heyward should be in a few snaps...Keep fresh motors on the field pushing back the OL...they won't rotate their OL as frequently, thus our fresh bodies will wear them down right?