Steelers' offensive line embraces 'nastiness'

[LLT]

GoErie.com
August 5, 2012

LATROBE -- Ramon Foster gives a wide smile, looks to the ground sheepishly and laughs quietly.

Like most of the men he lines up next to on the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line, Foster is affable, fun-loving and often flashes that smile -- off the field, anyway.

In the trenches? A different story.

Much different.

What induced Foster's chuckle on a muggy late morning last week at St. Vincent College was a question about the "mean," in-your-face persona the Steelers' offensive line appears to be embracing more than ever this season.

"Definitely, we have a little nasty edge to us," the right guard said.

Indications are that this season's reconfigured unit will play with an edge befitting a franchise traditionally known for its toughness and physical play.

"Our coach teaches us ... to always finish," Foster said. "If you've got a guy going down, put him on his back and show him why you are doing what you're doing."

Strong words from a 6-foot 6-inch, 325-pound former undrafted free agent from Tennessee who has started 26 games over the first three years of his career. But Foster delivers that message with a soft voice and something of a verbal shrug when he's in his T-shirt, basketball shorts and sandals.

Center Maurkice Pouncey is even more jovial when in street clothes. He resembles the Marshmallow Man from "Ghostbusters" fame a bit -- more for his ever-present grin than his 6-foot 4-inch, 304-pound frame.

It's not uncommon to see the former Pro Bowl center in a defensive lineman's face, involved in a skirmish or even sometimes taking personal-foul penalties.

"Totally different dude," Pouncey said of his on-field personality. "I lock in, I'm trying to be a warrior, try to go as hard as I can and try to go out there and lead the squad. I won't even think about being a nice guy out there. I'll shake your hand afterward. But during the game? It's not happening."

Read More: http://www.goerie.com/article/201208...'nastiness'

[ALLD]

The OL needs to develop a new identity other than the "traffic cones" or "turnstile" that has plagued it for the last five seasons.

[Psycho Ward 86]

Hell, they can go a step further and be filthy if they want.

[Devilsdancefloor]

As long as they pkay through the whistle and put the guys across from them on there ass i dont care. i havd seen to often the past few years Oline man standing there looking at the D guy tackling whomever or not finishing blocks

[Steeldude]

The OL needs to develop a new identity other than the "traffic cones" or "turnstile" that has plagued it for the last five seasons.

The O-line protection should be better with Arians finally out of the picture.

[steelpride12]

The O-line protection should be better with Arians finally out of the picture.

FIRE ARIANS!!!!.....oh wait. Keep beating that dead horse. Arians is gone can we move on.