A queastion about Hampton and Hoke.....

[hey.....hey.....hey]

In the 3-4 defense, it is noted that you need a NT that can clog up the center of the offensive line and IF your team has a good NT then it takes TWO offensive lineman to block him. Here's the question.....

If Hoke plays pretty damn good while replacing Hampton, (and I would assume he clogs up the middle and takes up two blockers), why not run a defensive line with..

A. Smith
Hampton
Hoke

?

heyman

[Steeltime]

Hoke never played DE in the 3-4. I am guessing that he is just not fast enough, or athletic enough, for some zone coverage responsibilities that Steeler DE's have to be able to handle. Also, his pass rushing skills are fine for a NT, but not for a DE, even in the 3-4.

With Hampton and Hoke on the field at the same time, teams would throw on 1st down all the time. The pass rush from the Steelers DL would come from Aaron Smith and nobody else.

[Smooth Criminal]

I've always wondered if he could handle playing DE. He has great size and strength and he gets great pentration. That would be one hell of a strong Dline.

Only problem is, what happens when Hampton needs a breather? Why do we put in if Hoke has been playing the whole time Hampton has? No one else on our roster can play NT like Hampton and Hoke.

[Steel Conviction]

The real question is, given that Hampton has more talent and potential than Hoke, why do we seem to play better with Hoke? Hoke doesn't have half the talent, but the boy doesn't stop.

[TMC]

Actually, in Hoke's first preseason game against Atlanta, I was sitting with my wife, Linedown!, and Pitt Charlie and Hoke was playing LDE. We actually talked about how disruptive he was and how he was shoving the RT into the backfield disrupting plays.

I think the problem with him at RDE is his ability to rush the passer, but IMO, he could substitute at any position on the line. I feel he is that versatile. He plays down the line well. He presses the pocket. He does a lot of good things.

[hey.....hey.....hey]

thanks for the info

[Vader]

I would like to see a 4-3 with Smith, Hampton, Hoke, Keisel. What would it hurt to run it on a play or two???

[Steeler8832]

I would like to see a 4-3 with Smith, Hampton, Hoke, Keisel. What would it hurt to run it on a play or two???


That would kick ass! Depending on down and distance. Throw in Woodley, Harrison and Timmons at LB.

The other teams offense would look at that and think.........".What the fuck are we going to do with this?"

[Super Heathen]

I would like to see a 4-3 with Smith, Hampton, Hoke, Keisel. What would it hurt to run it on a play or two???

I've often thought of this scenario. Count me in as somebody who would love to see just one series with this look.

[Jitter]

I thought Hoke played an exceptional game yesterday. He should have had a sack but kinda whiffed on the tackle giving woodley a gift sack. I like guys like Hoke who may not have the most talent but just keep coming and striving to get better. If hampton had Hokes heart he would be a true superstar. If Hampton doesnt start taking his training more seriously I think we should try to move him before he totally eats himself out of a job.

[thatrain]

My understanding was that a backup NT was more important than a starting RDE, in a 3-4. Hampburgler needs spells and has injuries, and in either case you want to make sure you have a solid player to fill in. 350 lbs guys break down alot.

[thatrain]

I've often thought of this scenario. Count me in as somebody who would love to see just one series with this look.

That isn't a 4-3 DL. Our 4-3 DL would be:

Woodley
Hampton
Smith
Harrison

A 4-3 DL needs edge rushers, not 290 lbs DE's that are very average at rushing the passer. Our DE's are run-stoppers first.

[Coryea]

Actually our Dline could look like this.
Smith, Hampton, Hoke, Woodley.

The Jags have had trouble running the ball all season, they are without their starting C, and both OG's.