Steelers News: Why Javon Hargrave is the glue to hold the Steelers’ 3-4 together

With all of the Steelers’ 2019 offseason workouts in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has to suffer through the dog days of summer until the boys of fall return to the gridon. In the meantime, don’t think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is over. As the team disperses for the summer, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how Javon Hargrave, coming off a 6.5 sack 2018, very well could be the glue to hold the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 3-4 defensive front together in 2019 and beyond.

Let’s get to the news:

• Javon Hargrave tallied 6.5 sacks in 2018, and this all while playing as a part-time player. If the Steelers can get him on the field more in 2019, he could be a difference maker.

Carter’s Classroom: Hargrave brings balance to D-line

By: Chris Carter, DKPittsburghSports

When an offensive line prepares each week they take into account which pass rushers they’ll face and how to counter them. So when teams prepare for the Steelers in 2019 they’ll have to look at Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt as the mauling defensive linemen along with T.J. Watt as the emerging edge rushing star and Bud Dupree as a fast athlete off the ball.

Not to be lost in the shuffle is Javon Hargrave, who had a career high 6.5 sacks in 2018 and is another rising star for the defense. He’s still only 26 and causing problems for protection packages.

To read the full article, click HERE ($$)

• Terrell Edmunds was lucky enough to meet legendary Steelers safety Donnie Shell recently, and he was speechless.

Terrell Edmunds ‘starstruck’ about meeting former Steelers safety Donnie Shell

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Several former and current Steelers players recently conducted a fan camp in Mexico City. Edmunds attended as did Donnie Shell, an inaugural member of the Steelers’ Hall of Honor.

In a promotional video released by the team, Shell said he and Edmunds boarded a flight in Charlotte and spent the time on the airplane forming a bond.

“I talked old school. He talked new school,” Shell said.

Edmunds admitted he was “starstruck for a second” while talking to Shell, whose 51 career interceptions remain the most in NFL history for a strong safety.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Many are ruling out Ryan Switzer when it comes to making the Steelers’ roster. That is just fine with Switzer, he has been counted out his whole life.

A chip on his shoulder

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

What motivates you?

My family. I am a husband now. I have a wife to provide for and future kids I want to provide a good life for. I am not just playing for me.

Biggest challenge you had to overcome?

Two trades in four months.

What is your football mindset/approach?

I have always had a chip on my shoulder. I play that way. I play like I don’t belong. I play like I have something to prove. I have played like that since my middle school days.

Why do you play football?

I love the game. I think reasons shift as you get older. The more that is on my mind, the more pressure. When it is cut and dry, I love the game and what it does for me.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• To get up and go to work every day, you have to love what you do. For wide receiver Donte Moncrief, this meant falling in love with football all over again.

Falling in love with football

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

What is your football mindset/approach?Go to work every day and find something to get better at.

Why do you play football?

Because I love the game and to take care of my family.

What is your proudest football moment or memory?

Receiving my first scholarship in high school. Seeing the first coach ever come to my high school. Seeing him with that scholarship, that made me really happy.

When you hear Steelers football, what do you think?

Tough, hard-nosed, winning, playoff football.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Social Media Madness