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Video: Steelers defensive line faces "prove it" year

The front three in Pittsburgh, nose tackle Steve McLendon and defensive ends Brett Keisel and Ziggy Hood, are charged with maintaining the strong defensive presence of the Steelers teams of the past.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport

The Steelers defensive line will be one of the main groups to watch this training camp. Among the storylines, can Steve McLendon establish himself as the first starting nose tackle not named "Casey" in over a decade? Ziggy Hood is in a contract year, will he be able to break through a mediocre start to his career and turn into a justified first round pick? Brett Keisel is long in the tooth as well as the beard, is he going to be able to handle another season in Pittsburgh?

It's a talented group and one that carries with it the potential to exceed expectations, but talk is cheap. Former first round pick Cameron Heyward needs to show his worth this year, and second-round former ward of Allegheny County Alameda Ta'amu has shed weight as part of his overall efforts to shed the negative stigma he created last season.

Training camp is underway, and time is running out each day for this group to help get the Steelers' defense back above average in terms of sacks.

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