Comments on: Steelers Film Room: David DeCastro Displays The Art of Pulling

By: Bob Stover

Bob Stover — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 20:57:51 +0000

SteelVA is a known troll. He doesn’t regard any evidence that suggests that his innate hatred of the Steelers is wrong. If you’re smart, you won’t feed this particular troll.

By: SteelVA

SteelVA — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 00:09:47 +0000

On the key 3d & 1 play vs. Cinci, early 4Q, that was Big David DeAsstro, the supposed “Pro Bowler”, on his ass, on the ground, doing NOTHING. The play was STOPPED short of the sticks. It’s apparent that you’re a viewer; not an analyst. Don’t let facts get in the way of gaudy, over-rated reputations.

By: Kelechi Anozie

Kelechi Anozie — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 20:57:21 +0000

Firstly, I’m sure you can make your points without unnecessary insults. Secondly, PFF makes a living evaluating each player in the NFL; their view point has much credibility than yours. Thirdly, there is a difference between fans that view games and ones that watch them; based on everything you’ve said, it’s apparent that you’re a viewer; not much more I can say. You’re entitled to your opinion but at the very least, show some respect when you post it. Thank you.

By: SteelVA

SteelVA — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 18:06:57 +0000

I’ve read PFF’s ratings over the years. They get about 35% correct, and the rest is fat and lard. DeAsstro will make the Blow Bowl — which in and of itself is a farce — based on reputation, not performance.

By: Kelechi Anozie

Kelechi Anozie — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 13:07:18 +0000

That is true to an extent, then again, the holes he and the offensive line were creating on Sunday, would have been big enough for you or I to run through.

Keep in mind that’s not just the act of pulling, it is also the manner in which is able to locate the defender and neutralize them on the outside. For the outside linebacker, setting the edge is vital when playing the run. What DeCastro was doing to Justin Houston as seen in the first example, was to trap him inside; thus not even giving him the opportunity to touch him.

When it comes to the counter/power plays that the Steelers run, they have been extremely effective at it because of people like DeCastro leading the counter and making the initial block to set everything in motion; if this is not done correctly, the counter play fails.

Back in 2014 against the Bengals, they ran this counter play at will and the Bengals couldn’t handle it; DeCastro was the lead blocker on each of those counter plays.

So I will say this, having an All-pro running back helps, but it’s not necessary if all the o-linemen are doing their assignment correctly and if the pulling guard knows what he’s doing.

By: RickJPII

RickJPII — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 12:52:52 +0000

Very nice piece on Decastro, and on the finer points of his game last week.

By: RickJPII

RickJPII — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 12:50:46 +0000

Just to add to what you are saying Don, I don’t think it matters how well Decastro pulls if they don’t have an all-pro caliber running back to take advantage. Not everyone puts up the numbers Bell did last Sunday, no matter how the line plays.

By: Kelechi Anozie

Kelechi Anozie — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 12:38:18 +0000

Actually, he’s been the highest ranked guard in the NFL since September 29th. He’s not perfect BY any means but according to Pro Football Focus, he’s been among the best. This comment is precisely why I do game film, so that you can see the details that you may not always see. So trust me, when he gets nominated to another Pro Bowl, it won’t be because he’s ” pounded his pudd ” as you said for most of the season.

By: SteelVA

SteelVA — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 02:48:50 +0000

David DeAsstro……he pounded his pudd for most of the season, and then has a half-adequate game vs. KC. Sorry, I’m not buying the hype.

By: Don Orris

Don Orris — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 01:35:11 +0000

Thanks, Amerigo. I’m doing my best but it might take some time!