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Ranking The Top 10 Best Defensive Linemen in Steelers History

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By: Sean McGeown, @seanpmcgeown SteelerNation.com   When you think of the*Pittsburgh Steelers and their formula for success as a franchise, one word comes to mind: Defense. They have largely been known for having a vaunting unit on the defensive side of the ball, for hitting hard and not giving up anything easy, and making you […]

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uh, yeah, aaron smith at #8 is waaaaay too low. he is a much more superior player than a guy like heyward, and they have heyward at #6? sorry, that's bogus to me. I know they play different positions, but smith had FAR more impact at end, than heyward has ever had at his position
 
I would say of the lists so far this would be closest to my picks. There is no way the 70's teams players aren't at the top of this list. They were the heart and soul of those teams. People often call the defense the Steel Curtain. Incorrect.
 
First of all, what an iconic picture of the the Steel Curtain Front 4 as the lead in? I believe that was during the intro to the first SB with the Cowboys. Players get bigger and stronger, but pound for pound and before modern PEDs, give me those guys and their synergy to start a dynasty in any era.

Secondly, Cam Heyward is too high. He has come up too small in big games. Did he even crack the stat sheet in a humiliating home playoff loss to Blake Bortles? Solid player, solid guy. But in many ways a poster child for the defenses of the '10s and back half of Tomlin era to date.
 
To me Joe Greene and possibly Mel Blount are two guys from a distant era that you could plop down now in the modern NFL with minimal extra training (maybe an off season) and they would be ready made stars. And I say that for very few of the old time stars in any sport.
 
Greenwood in the 10th what a steal that was...................
 
Omar10213245 said:
uh, yeah, aaron smith at #8 is waaaaay too low. he is a much more superior player than a guy like heyward, and they have heyward at #6? sorry, that's bogus to me. I know they play different positions, but smith had FAR more impact at end, than heyward has ever had at his position
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I cannot agree. Cam has been outstanding and 100% a true Steeler + locker room leader.

However I would have them both above Dwight White.


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Aron Smith is probably the absolutely under ranked player the STEELERS have ever had. He needs moved up, definately.

I always liked the interview that Ernie Holmes gave. Not sure who but I think Cosell asked him why he had the ARROW shaved into his hair on top of his head and ERNIE relayed "that's the direction I'm going". LOVED IT.....






Salute the nation
 
Omar10213245 said:
uh, yeah, aaron smith at #8 is waaaaay too low. he is a much more superior player than a guy like heyward, and they have heyward at #6? sorry, that's bogus to me. I know they play different positions, but smith had FAR more impact at end, than heyward has ever had at his position
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I disagree. Aaron Smith was vastly underrated, but he isn't Cam Heyward.
 
Agree, I'd move Smith up and Holmes down to 10th if he's on the list at all. Good player but he wasn't here all that long.
 
SojournerSteel said:
First of all, what an iconic picture of the the Steel Curtain Front 4 as the lead in? I believe that was during the intro to the first SB with the Cowboys. Players get bigger and stronger, but pound for pound and before modern PEDs, give me those guys and their synergy to start a dynasty in any era.

Secondly, Cam Heyward is too high. He has come up too small in big games. Did he even crack the stat sheet in a humiliating home playoff loss to Blake Bortles? Solid player, solid guy. But in many ways a poster child for the defenses of the '10s and back half of Tomlin era to date.
Click to expand...

I’d bet Cam in a 4-3 front would have have more quantifiable statistics vs the many times he’s lined up at DT on 2 man “traditional” front


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Steelerfan81 said:
I disagree. Aaron Smith was vastly underrated, but he isn't Cam Heyward.
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Justin, with all due respect, you are completely nuts if you think that a legend like Smith "isnt Cam Heyward". Heyward has never, and will never, hold Smith's jock
 
FSF said:
I cannot agree. Cam has been outstanding and 100% a true Steeler + locker room leader.

However I would have them both above Dwight White.


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Cam has been very solid. But not on Aaron Smith's level, not really even close. Smith was a HUGE reason those awesome defense's of the 2000's were so hard to be run upon.
 
Omar10213245 said:
Cam has been very solid. But not on Aaron Smith's level, not really even close. Smith was a HUGE reason those awesome defense's of the 2000's were so hard to be run upon.
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I think when you are talking the run sure. When you are talking getting to the QB then it is Cam easy. Two solid players with different strengths.

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BLITZ said:
I think Smith is in the top 12 all time Steelers sacks.
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Heyward played like what in 30 less games? and already is ranked higher in sacks. Heyward is better at getting to the QB no doubt in my mind.

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slashsteel said:
Heyward played like what in 30 less games? and already is ranked higher in sacks. Heyward is better at getting to the QB no doubt in my mind.

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agree. but Smith was know as an incredible run stopper. for him to be in top 10-12 in history of Steelers is pretty amazing. I recall dick Lebeau saying that Aaron was the best defensive lineman he has ever seen. not coached had ever seen. pretty amazing to think of that.
 
BLITZ said:
agree. but Smith was know as an incredible run stopper. for him to be in top 10-12 in history of Steelers is pretty amazing. I recall dick Lebeau saying that Aaron was the best defensive lineman he has ever seen. not coached had ever seen. pretty amazing to think of that.
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Yep one of the best run stoppers ever. To have him and Hampton plugging holes for so many years was a beautiful watch.

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Omar10213245 said:
uh, yeah, aaron smith at #8 is waaaaay too low. he is a much more superior player than a guy like heyward, and they have heyward at #6? sorry, that's bogus to me. I know they play different positions, but smith had FAR more impact at end, than heyward has ever had at his position
Click to expand...

Smith>Heyward

Agreed. Not even a doubt about it actually.
 
slashsteel said:
I think when you are talking the run sure. When you are talking getting to the QB then it is Cam easy. Two solid players with different strengths.

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Click to expand...

sure, but there's absolutely no argument to be had (at least to me) that smith was far better at what he did, than what cam currently does. in other words, if i rub a lamp and a genie pops out and tells me that i can choose 11 steelers defenders whom have played since 2000 to build an ideal defense with, i'm sure as **** taking aaron smith before i take cam heyward
 
Omar10213245 said:
sure, but there's absolutely no argument to be had (at least to me) that smith was far better at what he did, than what cam currently does. in other words, if i rub a lamp and a genie pops out and tells me that i can choose 11 steelers defenders whom have played since 2000 to build an ideal defense with, i'm sure as **** taking aaron smith before i take cam heyward
Click to expand...

I would probably pick them both at the same time and be happy. For me it's a 1A and 1B type situation. Remember though in a passing league you want the best pass rushers. This last year Heyward probably had his best run defense year too. With Cam's career still ongoing for me just a very hard decide. Love them both.

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