Keisel pays homage to Smith for Pro Bowl honor

[mesaSteeler]

Keisel pays homage to Smith for Pro Bowl honor
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt...nt_716306.html
By Scott Brown
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, January 2, 2011

Defensive end Brett Keisel is hoping he doesn't play in his first Pro Bowl on Jan. 30, because that means the Steelers will be preparing for Super Bowl XLV back in Pittsburgh.

But if Keisel does play in the annual all-star game — he is the first alternate at defensive end — it wouldn't just validate his importance to the Steelers' defense.

It also would be a tribute to Aaron Smith, who has long been a mentor to Keisel.

"I've got to give him a lot of credit," Keisel said. "From the time I've got here I've tried to be like Aaron Smith. I've tried to work like him — I've tried to approach the game like him — so he gets a lot of credit for my success."

Road to success

A win over the Browns today would give the Steelers their first 7-1 road record since 2004. The Steelers were just 3-5 in games away from Heinz Field last season.

Their 5-3 home record this season, conversely, was the Steelers' worst at Heinz Field since posting the same mark in 2006.

The Steelers have the best home record in the NFL (227-88-1) since 1970.

Hat trick?

Three touchdowns today by Rashard Mendenhall would give the Steelers' running back 14 rushing scores this season and tie him with Franco Harris for the most rushing TDs in a season in Steelers history.

Mendenhall has 1,237 rushing yards, which places him eighth on the Steelers' all-time list for rushing yards in a season.

Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.


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[Whodis]

I believe this article within itself should answer all questions to the debate of what A. Smith means to this team. It's great to see you have a guy like keisel coming out of the same mold as Aaron Smith.