In Ed Bouchette’s Steelers Chat the question was brought up and Ed seemed to think it was a possibility. It was later asked how much weight Ziggy would have to gain if he moved to Nose Tackle. Ed projected around 10 lbs. That would bring Ziggy to around the 310-315 lb range. He could easily do it. Ziggy has the frame for the position.
Ziggy could do well at the nose. He has shown since he has been with the Steelers that he is a better run stuffer than advertised. He is taking on double teams right now at Defensive End. It would be the same thing at the nose.
Even with the addition of 1o pounds having Hood play the nose would still be a positive for the Steelers. Hood will still be a 3 down player who can stop the pass and the run. He will not have to come off the field each time it is a passing situation. That would be a big lift against teams like New England. We could keep most of our base defense on the field and still stop the pass.
Hood’s play has improved drastically over the last two years. It can be seen more in his teammates than himself. Hood’s stats may not show what he is doing but LaMarr Woodley’s do. Woodley started his tear of double digit sack games as Hood entered the lineup. Teams had to use more players to block Hood giving Woodley the ability to go one-on-one on the edge. Ziggy is one of the better hand fighters I have seen in a long time. Blockers do not get to his body causing others to have to come and help out. That creates lanes for linebackers and safeties to make plays.
Another twist to this is that Steelers Rookie Defensive End Cameron Heyward would be pushed into starting duty at Left Defensive End. The Steelers just made themselves younger without even making a real move. It will be something that will take all offseason to work on but I like the sounds of what I am hearing. It could work really well.
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