Galax Steeler
02-18-2012, 06:10 AM
For a defense that ranked No. 1 overall in the NFL, the Steelers are confronted with several big questions and significant personnel changes in the first two levels of their unit.
On the defensive line, where longtime backup nose tackle Chris Hoke already has retired, will Aaron Smith be brought back for his 14th season with the team? Will five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton return and, if so, how will he recover from a second surgery on his left anterior cruciate ligament at age 34?
At inside linebacker, will James Farrior, the team's long-time defensive captain and spiritual leader, continue in the same role at age 37? And will veteran backup Larry Foote become a salary-cap casualty after nine seasons with the team?
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12049/1211080-66.stm#ixzz1mjbxZlNc
On the defensive line, where longtime backup nose tackle Chris Hoke already has retired, will Aaron Smith be brought back for his 14th season with the team? Will five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton return and, if so, how will he recover from a second surgery on his left anterior cruciate ligament at age 34?
At inside linebacker, will James Farrior, the team's long-time defensive captain and spiritual leader, continue in the same role at age 37? And will veteran backup Larry Foote become a salary-cap casualty after nine seasons with the team?
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12049/1211080-66.stm#ixzz1mjbxZlNc