The Pittsburgh Steelers possess their deepest defensive line unit in years. That is, since the years of Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, and others. That was reflected on the 53-man roster, as the team opted to carry seven defensive linemen rather than the typical six.
CINCINNATI - OCTOBER 13: Casey Hampton #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers run away from Matt O'Dwyer #72 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 13, 2002 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Steelers beat the Bengals 34-7. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
Last season, the defensive line went through many ups and downs. As a result, the team's run defense suffered a significant decline, something Steelers defenses typically proud themselves on. For 2022 though, Heyward expects this unit to help return that aspect back to the normal. Heyward spoke to the media on Thursday and had this to say about the defensive line's depth via SteelersLive:
"I feel really good about our depth. It's not just Larry [Ogunjobi], it's not just Tyson [Alualu]. It's Chris Wormley, it's [Isaiahh] Loudermilk, it's Mont[ravius] Adams who we picked up last year and now has a full year [in Pittsburgh] under his belt. Having all these guys included makes me feel really good," Heyward said via SteelersLive. "I don't have to play every snap, I'm not looking to play every snap. Just trying to maximize the snaps I get."
Those names, along with Heyward and rookie DeMarvin Leal, accompany the team's defensive line depth this season. Even guys that performed well in training camp and into the preseason, like Khalil and Carlos Davis, had to be let go simply because there wasn't enough room for them. In years past, they may have made the opening day roster. Carlos did end up making the team's practice squad, and the team brought in Renell Wren as the other lineman.
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Henry Mondeaux, who spent two seasons with the black and gold, was another guy that was left on the outside looking in. Not only is this group deep, but they are all talented and capable if forced into a bigger role. Everyone has their own, unique skill sets, something that makes the group that much more special. While Heyward provided rave reviews for the unit, he was quick to remember feeling this same way just last season:
"Well I thought the same thing last year and then after one game, Tyson was hurt," Heyward said.
Alualu's major injury was the biggest contributing factor to the run defense's downfall. Additionally, Stephon Tuitt was expected to return at some point during the season. That didn't happen either, so the Steelers went the whole season without two of their top three linemen. Add in the fact that you had a young, raw rookie in Loudermilk and the defensive line was growing through massive growing pains.
This season, Loudermilk has put on some much-needed size and seems ready to take a step forward. The addition of Ogunjobi shouldn't be overstated, as he was en route to earn a $40 million contract just earlier this off-season. As Heyward mentioned, Adams got his first full off-season and training camp in with the team, although he did deal with an injury.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
While Heyward is coming off arguably the best season of his career by earning his third First Team All-Pro selection, taking some snaps off will only help him and the team in the long run. He is now 33 years old, so limiting his snaps early in the regular season more can help save him up for later in the year. In 2021, he played over 80% of the team's defensive snaps for the fifth consecutive season.
Is the Steelers' defensive line the best position group on the team this season? What are your expectations for the team's run defense in 2022? Share your comments and opinions below!
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