Lady Steel
12-11-2014, 10:48 PM
Cornerback Ike Taylor says repeatedly that young players need to be productive for the Steelers to be legitimate title contenders this season.
Antwon Blake, a second-year cornerback, answered the call Sunday when a banged-up Taylor was forced to the sideline against the AFC North rival Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
The stat sheet had Blake for four tackles and two passes defended — all in the fourth quarter. More important, he held Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green in check after the Steelers moved ahead 28-21.
Green twice got behind Taylor for long receptions, including an 81-yard touchdown. Blake, though, blanketed Green on a key third-and-9 throw that quarterback Andy Dalton couldn't fit into a narrow opening.
Ultimately, the Steelers salted away the game on the first play of their ensuing drive. Rookie receiver Martavis Bryant sped past Bengals cornerback Leon Hall for a 94-yard touchdown.
In a matter of seconds, two promising young players delivered.
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/7333464-74/steelers-guys-players#axzz3Legpfmo0
Antwon Blake, a second-year cornerback, answered the call Sunday when a banged-up Taylor was forced to the sideline against the AFC North rival Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
The stat sheet had Blake for four tackles and two passes defended — all in the fourth quarter. More important, he held Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green in check after the Steelers moved ahead 28-21.
Green twice got behind Taylor for long receptions, including an 81-yard touchdown. Blake, though, blanketed Green on a key third-and-9 throw that quarterback Andy Dalton couldn't fit into a narrow opening.
Ultimately, the Steelers salted away the game on the first play of their ensuing drive. Rookie receiver Martavis Bryant sped past Bengals cornerback Leon Hall for a 94-yard touchdown.
In a matter of seconds, two promising young players delivered.
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/7333464-74/steelers-guys-players#axzz3Legpfmo0