Hail to the D-Line

My adopted Steeler is Aaron Smith. His play over the first 5 weeks of the season have been a stunning reminder of how much we missed him when he was injured last year. But that is not why I am starting this post, the bottom line is that prior to the season starting, the 2 biggest concerns for the success of our beloved Steelers were the health and talent of our DL and OLs respectively. Well, as for the D-Line, Aaron and the rest of the "senior set" have definitely put those concerns to rest (at least so far).

As the designated “adopted parent” of Mr. Smith, I would like to point out a few observations from his performance since the start of the season. I am hopeful that the rest of the Steeler Nation will then provide any additional insights or other pertinent comments on the rest of the DL (and event he LBs if you feel you must!)

The entire Defense has been playing phenomenally and I for one am extremely pleased that all of the off season concern and harping on the age and expectations of the D-Line have been quieted.

Overall – Since the injury to Diesel and Big Snack, Aaron Smith has been routinely absorbing opposing team double teams/combo block/ RB or TE chips. He has consistently maintained the POA with the following statistical proof.

Wk5 Jags

F.Taylor 10 19 1.9 6 0

D.Garrard 4 12 3.0 8 0

M.Jones-Drew 5 7 1.4 3 1

Wk4 Ravens

L.McClain 16 63 3.9 11 1

W.McGahee 13 42 3.2 12 0

R.Rice 1 0 0.0 0 0

J.Flacco 2 -1 -0.5 0 0

M.Clayton 1 -1 -1.0 -1 0

Wk3 Eagles

C.Buckhalter 10 43 4.3 11 0

B.Westbrook 5 12 2.4 4 0

L.Booker 5 11 2.2 5 0

D.Jackson 1 1 1.0 1 0

D.McNabb 2 -2 -1.0 -1 0

Wk2 Browns

J.Lewis 19 38 2.0 8 0

D.Anderson 3 6 2.0 4 0

J.Cribbs 1 5 5.0 5 0

L.Vickers 1 2 2.0 2 0

J.Harrison 1 2 2.0 2 0

Wk1 Texans

S.Slaton 13 43 3.3 8 0

A.Green 5 28 5.6 14 0

M.Schaub 2 4 2.0 4 1

What you see is that the longest rush from scrimmage came in week 1, by Ahman Green of the Texans for 14 yards. The next longest is Willis McGahee in week 4 for 12 yards and then a couple of 11 yard runs. What this suggests to me is that our DL is setting up our entire defense for success. With the only constant over each of these weeks being Aaron, I point to him as the primary reason for this consistency.  

After week 1 I pointed out in my weekly analysis that Aaron was getting so much penetration against the Texans that they began to use his inside gap to try and run. Since then, he seems to have modified his technique and is not bullrushing as much as he easily could, probably in order to maintain the gap integrity which sets up our other playmakers for their success.

Aaron has also added a couple of stellar plays at key moments over these first few weeks. In week 2 vs the Browns, he had 2 sacks (one in the 3d quarter and one on the very last Brown possession). Both of these were straight motor and muscle sacks. Nothing sexy, just sheer strength and determination. In week 5 vs Jax, he made a crucial pass deflection on the Jags last possession to help kill their attempt to drive down the field. Throughout the Jags game, particularly on passing plays, he would engage the double team and then maintain the top of the pocket, in order to keep Garard from flushing straight ahead.

The only negative play that I have seen from him so far was on the ridiculous Flacco scramble to the left sideline and then back to the right. From the angles I saw, it looked like Aaron was expecting Flacco to safely throw it away or duck out of bounds. When the "rook" reversed field, Aaron was “grasping at air” on National TV. (Not good).

So overall, he has 19 tackles (13 solo + 6 assists), 2 sacks and 1 PD in 5 games. If you consider that the primary beneficiary of his efforts is the OLB (see Exhibit A: Woodley, Lamar, O-lineman and QB Devastator) on his side drawing single protection blocks it becomes clear that some of Woodley’s success is attributable to the team effort and to the efforts of “The Man” in front of him on the DL.

OK, enough gloating on my adopted Steeler. Feel free to discuss or offer your insight on your adopted Steeler.