GoErie.com
August 5, 2012
LATROBE -- 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 last 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.
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-inch, 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 for his ever-present grin than his 6-foot 4-inch, 304-pound frame.
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."
Read More: http://www.goerie.com/article/201208...'nastiness'
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"Either you're playing dumb, or it's not an act". -Judge Judy