Steelers go 'Big' with Smith, Keisel, Hampton, Hoke

**SteelersWoman** · 09-13-2007, 11:35 PM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_527203.html

By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, September 13, 2007

The Steelers' defensive package in which ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel and tackles Casey Hampton and Chris Hoke are on the field at the same time is officially called "Big." Unofficially?

"Some of the linebackers and (defensive backs) call it 'Fat,' " Keisel said.
Asked what it should be called, Keisel smiled and said, "Big and strong." The Steelers have certainly been that against the run. A back hasn't rushed for more than 100 yards in a game against the Steelers since Edgerrin James did it in November 2005. Bill running back Marshawn Lynch rushed for 90 yards last week in his NFL debut, and Keisel said the Steelers won't take him lightly, even though he is a rookie.
"Our coaches say he shows flashes of LaDainian Tomlinson," Keisel said.

• Deshea Townsend (groin) didn't practice Wednesday, but the Steelers' starting right cornerback said he expects to practice today and play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Outside linebacker Marquis Cooper (hamstring) also didn't practice yesterday. He missed the Steelers' season opener in Cleveland. The Bills are without two starters in their secondary, safety Ko Simpson (ankle) and cornerback Jason Webster (forearm), indefinitely. Lynch (illness) and wide receiver Josh Reed (thigh) missed practice yesterday.

Digits
4 - Consecutive home openers the Steelers have won. 8 - Wins the Steelers have against the Bills in the 10 games the teams have played in Pittsburgh

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 09-14-2007, 05:56 AM

That's as stoudt of a DL as there is in football with those 4 right there when they are on the field together in Lebeau's defense. I like the make up of our line here, if they stay healthy the sky is the limit for the front 3 and the backups !

**Stairwayto7** · 09-14-2007, 05:58 AM

BIG! I likes it! hell they could call it BIG when just Casey is in there.

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 09-14-2007, 06:12 AM

Casey really is a beast, that guy has lived up to every expectation that a 1st round pick could. Im glad he's on our side and until he made the probowl a couple years ago he was one of the most underrated players in the league.

**black an gold 4 life** · 09-14-2007, 12:11 PM

I'M IMPRESSED WITH THE 4-3 WE MIXED N THAT FRONT LINE HAS ALLWAYS DONE THE JOB BUT BIG AN STRONG HAS AN GOOD RING 2 IT, STEELERS FANS WERE N 4 AN REAL TREAT THIS YEAR WITH OUR DEFENSE AN OUR OFFENSE

**AZ_Steeler** · 09-14-2007, 12:18 PM

That's probably one of the best three you will find on the DL in the league! Those guys are all scary and probably strike fear in anybody they play... I would vote for "Big and Strong"