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Former Steelers Defender Blasts Larry Ogunjobi

One former player doesn't see the production he wants out of the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle.

Noah Strackbein

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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers kept Larry Ogunjobi around for three more seasons after his initial one-year deal with the team last year. But one former player isn't seeing the production on the field that a defensive tackle with his salary should have. 

Ogunjobi signed a three-year, $28.75 million deal with the Steelers this past offseason. This season, he's recorded 33 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two pass deflections. 

Still, former Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke doesn't see the production he wants to. Speaking on 93.7 The Fan, Hoke gave his thoughts about how Ogunjobi isn't getting the job done. 

When you get paid that kind of money, they’re paying you to produce," Hoke said. "And we talked about this in the past and he’s a big, strong, powerful guy. He’s explosive. Technique is below the line. And it’s one of those things where he doesn’t play with his hands all the time.

"He’ll make a play and then he’ll disappear for a long period of time because of his technique. When you try to make plays, you’re not gonna consistently make plays. You may make one here or there, but largely, you’re gonna get tangled up and get stuck."

Ogunjobi takes on a cap hit of $13 million next season, the highest of his three-year deal. Inside the locker room, it doesn't feel as if the Steelers are considering a move, but if you asked Hoke, he'd be looking for a new defensive tackle this offseason. 

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Noah Strackbein
NOAH STRACKBEIN

Noah is the Publisher for All Steelers, Inside the Panthers (InsideThePanthers.com) and Inside the Penguins (InsidethePenguins.com), and is the host of All Steelers Talk (YouTube.com/AllSteelersTalk). A Scranton native, Noah made his way to the Pittsburgh sports scene in 2017. Now, he's pretty much full-yinzer.

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