The Pittsburgh Steelers signed DT Larry Ogunjobi to a 1 year-contract about a week and a half ago to help bolster a defensive line that absolutely needed to add a piece following the retirement of Stephon Tuitt. What was once the biggest strength of the Steelers' defense became the biggest weakness when the team lost Tyson Alualu to a season ending injury and Tuitt not being present in 2021.
The Steelers were not going to have a repeat of what happened a season ago, that's for sure! I don't think they plan on being at the bottom of the league against the run again. So, in comes Ogunjobi, who has been quite familiar with the AFC North since coming into the league, spending last season with the Cincinnati Bengals and the first four years of his career with the Cleveland Browns.
Larry Ogunjobi tackles Najee Harris for a loss during the 2021 season (Photo: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer, USA TODAY Sports)
Ogunjobi joined the Movin’ The Chain’s show on XM Radio with hosts Pat Kirwan, and Jim Miller. During the show Ogunjobi was asked about his skillset and how he feels about the Steelers' defense.
"You know I'm surrounded by ballers. you know you got Cam [Heyward], TJ [Watt], [Alex] Highsmith, you know we went to college together, so it will be good to get back with him. But the ability to go out there and make plays, rush the passer, put a lot of pressure on offenses you know I think it just allows us to go out there and play. Steelers fit my skill set really well.""I'm excited, you know I think the scheme fits me well. I'm excited for what Coach [Karl] Dunbar and Coach [Teryl] Austin have in store for me. Once again just taking it one day at a time, you know attacking rehab, getting myself back. I'm just excited. You can probably hear it in my voice. I've been out of football for longer than I'd like so I'm excited to get back."
The Associated Press
Ogunjobi had a career year last season for the Bengals totaling 7 sacks, 49 combined tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and 16 QB hits. He posted career highs in sacks, TFLs, and QB hits. And the Steelers got him for a bargain, due to the defensive tackle failing his physical with the Chicago Bears because of his lisfrac surgery in January.
When you look at Ogunjobi's numbers and film, his penetration skills are what sets him apart from other defensive lineman in the league. He was asked specifically about his penetration skills and always being behind the line of scrimmage after the snap,
"I always think that's been part of my game. Just being able to first step, quickness, you know getting off the ball, things of that nature. So, that's just something I've always had a naturally done well. I played nose my first four years in Cleveland, so I never really got to use all those tools. Being able to play 3 technique and really utilizing my skill set and my athleticism was really important and kind of gave me the ability to open up my game a lot more and put me in position to get in more one on ones and sack the quarterback.Just help the team win. That's the biggest goal is just finding ways to win. This is a hard league to win in and everybody has a role to play. Maximizing your role, the best way possible and just making your team and your teammates better."
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 09: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts after Chase Claypool #11 caught the ball over defender Patrick Peterson #7 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 9, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Ogunjobi was then asked what Steelers' HC Mike Tomlin has said to him,
"He just kept it real. You know I think that's the best way to describe it. He's just a real dude. He's not going to play with you. He's not going to mess around. He's going to keep it 100. And I think that's really important in this league just having someone that's going to talk to you like a man, tell you what it is and you know we're gonna build a relationship organically. Let's build this as men, you know organically and see where this goes. So, once again I'm excited."
I look forward to seeing Ogunjobi in the Black and Gold whenever that may be. By the sound of his voice, Ogunjobi is excited to get back out there and get ready to help the Steelers win in any way that he can!
What do yinz think about the Steelers' new addition, Larry Ogunjobi's comments about playing in this defense? Let us know in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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