Oct 20th 2008 9:00AM by JJ Cooper (author feed)
Filed under: Steelers, AFC NorthIf there is a big difference between the 2007 Steelers and the 2008 team, it appears to be this year’s significantly improved depth.

Where Aaron Smith’s injury led to the collapse of the Steelers’ defense in 2007, the Steelers have survived injuries to defensive end Brett Keisel, nose guard Casey Hampton, cornerback Deshea Townsend, left tackle Marvel Smith, right guard Kendall Simmons and tailbacks Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall.

Along the way Towsend-replacement Bryant McFadden has shown that he’s matured and deserves a starting job. Simmons’ replacement Darnell Stapleton has left us all wondering why Simmons makes more than $6 million a year and Nick Eason, Chris Hoke and Travis Kirschke have helped remove some of the concerns about the Steelers defensive line depth.

But the biggest revelation has been at tailback, where Mewelde Moore has shown that he has to play a larger role in the offense when Willie Parker returns.
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