What does Aaron Smith bring?

[injus5injus]

Haven't really paid attention to the D line as much as I have this year. What exactly does Aaron Smith bring to the team for him to be considered one of the most underrated players on the team. I realize being in a 3-4 he doesn't receive as much spotlight but what are his strengths... pass rush? holding down 2 O-line blockers for the LB's to rush? Tackles? Ziggy Hood looked pretty good out there this season. Is Aaron Smith on another level?

[pancake]

Oh yes, Smith is on another level.

[fer522]

Oh yes, Smith is on another level.

[steelerchad]

You're correct, since we play the 3-4 and Smith's job is to clog up the run and take on 2 blockers if possible. It's really about what the guy behind him is doing to find out his true value. Here's a look at James Harrison's stats in the 5 games before Smith got injured and the 11 games after. Smith was injured in the 2nd quarter of the Miami game. So Harrison's basically had twice as many games without Smith as with him.

Sacks- 5.0 sacks before to 5.5 sacks after
Tackles- 40 tackles before to 60 tackles after
forced fumbles- 4 before and 2 after.

These are just the numbers and that's all they are is numbers. I'm not sure how much LeBeau changed the schemes in each game without Smith. Harrison may have more pass or zone responsiblity without Smith and may not be able to let loose off the corner with an all out rush. It looks like a significant dropoff, but his play may have changed due to circumstances.

[pete74]

Originally Posted by steelerchad

You're correct, since we play the 3-4 and Smith's job is to clog up the run and take on 2 blockers if possible. It's really about what the guy behind him is doing to find out his true value. Here's a look at James Harrison's stats in the 5 games before Smith got injured and the 11 games after. Smith was injured in the 2nd quarter of the Miami game. So Harrison's basically had twice as many games without Smith as with him.

Sacks- 5.0 sacks before to 5.5 sacks after
Tackles- 40 tackles before to 60 tackles after
forced fumbles- 4 before and 2 after.

These are just the numbers and that's all they are is numbers. I'm not sure how much LeBeau changed the schemes in each game without Smith. Harrison may have more pass or zone responsiblity without Smith and may not be able to let loose off the corner with an all out rush. It looks like a significant dropoff, but his play may have changed due to circumstances.

Smith is on the left side and Harrison is on the right

[sarahpalinhater]

I hope he gets back. But really, how far away is he, anyone know ? And I still think that even if he does comeback, he won't have anywhere near full strength in that tricep muscle. So maybe he might actually hinder us. But, if he can get healthy by the AFC Championship game,,,then play him. But if not, and if we do go to the super bowl, then sorry, I would rather not play him. I think it would not be fair to Hood, or whoever else helped us get to the game only to bench them in favor of a very " Rusty " Aaron Smith.

[pete74]

i heard he was having tests today and if all goes well he would practice with the steelers the following practice

[frunko1]

Per tomlin on nfl radio sirius,
he practiced with a helmet today, and should play, but it is up to the doctors.

[sarahpalinhater]

Originally Posted by pete74

i heard he was having tests today and if all goes well he would practice with the steelers the following practice

Sir, Can I ask where you read this ? I know I read something early in december that he was given the green light for light weight training. But nothing since. So if you could give us a link to what you read, I would appreciate it sir.



Thanks.

[finesward]

Posted this in another thread but seems deserving here...

Stats for Timmons with and without Smith

With Aaron Smith:

Total tackles
Wk
1 - 11
2 - 15
3 - 7
4 - 15
6 - 11
7 - 3
8 - 12

Without Aaron Smith
Wk
9 - 4
10- 7
11- 4
12- 8
13- 6
14- 5
15- 13
16- 5

Pretty easy to see the drop off