So far this season the Pittsburgh Steelers pass rush has been much better than advertised, but the team may be running the risk of burning out their defensive line.
According to Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot, Stephon Tuitt has played 88% of the team’s defensive snaps so far, while Cameron Heyward is at 85%.
Those kinds of numbers will eventually come back to bite Pittsburgh later in the year if the trend continues, so they have to figure something out to add more depth up front on that side of the ball. What’s the solution? Kozora thinks the Steelers should call the Jets and offer Dri Archer and a seventh round pick for Leger Douzable.
That might solve the problem, but I have another idea in mind that would not cost as much: call da Beard.
Pittsbugh released veteran defensive end Brett Keisel back in March after 13 seasons in black and yellow. At the time general manager Kelvin Colbert had nothing but high praises to offer, per ESPN:
“Brett has played a major role in our success during his 13 years in Pittsburgh. We appreciate his efforts and we are grateful for what he helped us accomplish, including two Super Bowl Championships. We will always consider him an all-time Pittsburgh Steeler.”
As for Keisel, he definitely still considers himself to be a part of the gang. In an interview last week with Sporting News Keisel talked trash about the Ravens and used the “we” like he was still on the roster:
“Pushing them to 0-4 would be beautiful,” Keisel said of the struggling rival Ravens. “Just as well as winning the game.”
Keisel suffered a torn tricep but he has not retired. He says he would only be willing to return to football if it was to play for the Steelers:
“It’s kind of tough for me to see myself in another uniform,” he admitted. “It would be tough. I would talk to them — I don’t mind talking to them. It makes me feel good when I’m wanted.”
I have a hard time imagining Keisel turning Kevin Colbert down were he to reach out.
Keisel is not the athlete that he used to be of course, but he doesn’t have to be. All Keisel has to do to earn his pay is give Tuitt and Heyward some breathing room. Rather than dealing picks and players with upside Pittsburgh can go back to someone they know they can rely on .
What do you think? Should the Steelers bring Keisel back or should they move on?
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