Hoge ‘Impressed’ With Strides In Steelers’ Run Defense But Warns Saints ‘Gonna Be A Test’

Former fullback Merril Hoge praised the Pittsburgh Steelers' improving run defense on 102.5 WDVE but warned their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints will present a significant challenge. Hoge credited Pittsburgh with being more aggressive at the line of scrimmage and using confusing fronts to stifle opposing rushers in recent matchups against the Buccaneers and Colts.

Despite injuries to Derrick Harmon and Sebastian Joseph-Day, Yahya Black and Gabriel Rubio have stepped up to fortify the defensive front. However, Hoge noted that New Orleans generated 175 rushing yards against the Giants using running schemes that previously troubled Pittsburgh, cautioning the defense to prepare for a heavy workload from Kendre Miller and Alvin Kamara.