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hawaiiansteeler
06-17-2015, 03:04 PM
Allen’s play at CB critical for Steelers

Published: June 16, 2015
By F. Dale Lolley

PITTSBURGH – When talking about the potential of the Steelers defense in 2015, the conversation usually doesn’t get far before Cortez Allen’s name comes up.

The fifth-year cornerback might be the most important piece to the puzzle when it comes to Pittsburgh’s chances of turning around a pass defense that ranked 27th in the NFL last season. Allen, 26, appeared in 11 games last season, making seven starts. He recorded 41 tackles, two interceptions and had 11 pass defenses, which doesn’t look bad until you consider he was constantly picked on and drew nine penalties.

Often, he was in position for a play, but found himself coming up just short of making an interception or knocking a pass away.

The rollercoaster ride finally ended when Allen was pulled from the starting lineup midway through the season, then suffered a broken thumb in practice that required surgery and eventually landed him on injured reserve.

It was not what the Steelers envisioned when they gave Allen a five-year, $26-million contract extension at the end of training camp last year.

The poor season and contract were the last thing on Allen’s mind as the Steelers opened their three-day mandatory mini-camp Tuesday. He’s intent on being better this season.

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