H is for here: Steelers future at DE has arrived

[stillers4me]

The Steelers saw the future of their defensive line last season when Aaron Smith was injured, and they liked what they saw. Ziggy Hood played so well in Smith's absence that the former No. 1 pick almost certainly will be like a fourth starter in their three-man line in 2011.

"Ziggy is just like a starter," said defensive line coach John Mitchell. "He's going to play quite a bit.".......

read more @ http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11222/1166254-66-0.stm?cmpid=steelers.xml

[steelpride12]

Ziggy Hood did a phenomenal job last season in the place of Smith. After he went down I was certain the DL would take a huge fall off in production, but Hood held the fort so well I didn't even notice Smith was gone, and still building the line with Heyward in a few years is exciting.

[SMR]

Excitement abounds. It's good to be a Steelers fan.

[Edman]

Not only did the Steelers D-Line not miss a beat without Smith, but I think they set some kind of record in Run Defense.

[pepsyman1]

The only thing we need to cement the future of the line is a young nose tackle. Tough spot to fill, but we haven't addressed it in the draft for years.

[Count Steeler]

H is for HOOOOOD! Hope they all stay healthy, but good to know we have some depth on the ends this year.