Steelers embrace nastiness

Associated Press

LaTrobe, Pa.

Ramon Foster gives a wide smile, looks to the ground sheepishly and laughs quietly.

Like most of the men he lines up next to on the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line, Foster is affable, fun-loving and often flashes that smile — off the field, anyway.

In the trenches? A different story.

Much different.

What induced Foster’s chuckle on a muggy late morning earlier this week at St. Vincent College was a question about the “mean,” in-your-face persona the Steelers’ offensive line appears to be embracing more than ever this season.

“Definitely, we have a little nasty edge to us,” the right guard said.

As one former Steelers offensive lineman prepares for tonight’s induction into the Hall of Fame — Dermontti Dawson — indications are that this season’s reconfigured unit will play with an edge befitting a franchise traditionally known for its toughness and physical play.

“Our coach teaches us ... to always finish,” Foster said. “If you’ve got a guy going down, put him on his back and show him why you are doing what you’re doing.”

Strong words from a 6-foot-6, 325-pound former undrafted free agent from Tennessee who has started 26 games over the first three years of his career. But Foster delivers that message with a soft voice and something of a verbal shrug when he’s in his T-shirt, basketball shorts and sandals.

Center Maurkice Pouncey is even more jovial when in street clothes. He resembles the Marshmallow Man from “Ghostbusters” fame a bit — more so for his ever-present grin than his 6-4, 304-pound frame.

Following in the lineage of Mike Webster and Dawson as All-Pro Steelers centers, Pouncey is the type of player that everyone in Pittsburgh likes. Personally, professionally, you name it. And that’s good, too, because he’ll acknowledge that just about every player that lines up across from him has different feelings. It’s not uncommon to see the former Pro Bowl center in a defensive lineman’s face, involved in a skirmish or even sometimes taking personal foul penalties.

“Totally different dude,” Pouncey said of his on-field personality. “I lock in, I’m trying to be a warrior, try to go as hard as I can and try to go out there and lead the squad. I won’t even think about being a nice guy out there. I’ll shake your hand afterward. But during the game? It’s not happening.”

Pouncey is only entering his third year with the Steelers (No. 7 in the AP Pro32), but he’s already the most tenured player at his position on the line. Former college teammate Marcus Gilbert took over at right tackle early in his rookie season last year when Willie Colon sustained a torn triceps in the season opener.

Colon has since been moved to left guard. That has Pittsburgh coaches and players — including Colon himself — excited at the possibilities. Colon prefers an aggressive style, and guard more so fits that.

“You’ve got to be able to kind of let other people across the field from you know that you’ve got teeth, too — and that you’re willing to bite,” Colon said. “If you’re able to do that, it just makes a statement.”

Colon is one of the most popular players in the Steelers locker room among teammates, coaches and media, as well. One of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s best friends on the team, Colon is introspective and engaging.

But, like Foster and Pouncey, Colon flips the proverbial switch once he puts on his shoulder pads.

“I’m a passionate guy out there,” Colon said. Pittsburgh feels as if it’s added another monster in David DeCastro, who is competing with Foster to start at right guard. The Steelers’ first round pick out of Stanford, the 6-5, 316-pound DeCastro has been playfully dubbed “Mr. Personality” by teammates in Latrobe.