The Patriots and Ravens have done it and it's time for the Steelers to do it too...it's time to get rid of the security blanket because there are now a few holes in it. It's time for a second mass exodus of veterans who are frankly getting by on past reputation and are barely earning their keep while keeping younger players on the bench who we really don't quite know what they got to offer. If it were up to me, James Harrison, Casey Hampton, Larry Foote, Ryan Mundy and Willie Colon, Byron Leftwich,Charlie Batch and Brett Keisel, off the top of my head, would have played their last games for the Steelers. For too long it seems the Steelers have become too loyal to the older players forsaking younger talent whose development is delayed because of veteran loyalty. The younger guys just aren't seeing the reps that are needed for development in practice or in games, and when they're thrown into action because of injuries, they don't produce and are labled busts.
Because of this, the defense got old all at once and the pressure to replace keeps them sticking with guys who get by on past accomplishments. It's time to jump in to the defensive youth movement with both feet now. The starting D-line going into camp should be Heyward, Ta'amu and Hood and Worilds should go ahead and replace Harrison and start from there. Drastic? Yes, but it is time to really find out what these guys can do with regular playing time. The Steelers have to start looking to the future.