The Steelers offensive line is a tight unit, one that replies heavily upon one another on the field and are close friends off the field.
So when a new member is thrown into the fire, it can cause a disruption. Unless, of course, that new member is an old friend.
The signing of center Doug Legursky, who was brought in on Tuesday after the injury to starting center Maurkice Pouncey, was a welcome one for the offensive line. Legursky brings experience with him, having played for the team from 2009-2012, including in a starting role. And he brings familiarity.
"That is a familiar face," said guard Ramon Foster. "A guy that the system is similar, not the same, but similar for. I think Doug is a smart enough guy to make it happen.
"That is the biggest thing, experience. Whether Doug is playing guard or center, experience is the biggest thing you have. Doug was here before and Cody (Wallace) has been in the system the last three years."
For quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, that familiarity and the fact that both Legursky and Wallace have started at center, brings comfort.
"It always helps," said Roethlisberger. "The shoes they are trying to fill are really big shoes and it's not easy to do. And they know that. They're not going to try to be Maurkice Pouncey. They are going to try to be the best Doug or Cody Wallace they can be.
"We have confidence those guys will step up, play good football and help carry the load."
