hawaiiansteeler
12-02-2015, 02:08 PM
Steelers notebook: Opportunity awaits Boykin
by Chris Adamski
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015
Four months to the day after being acquired, Brandon Boykin finally might be part of the Steelers' defensive game plan.
The fourth-year cornerback, who has played only 24 snaps in the first 11 games, will be given a “look” and “an opportunity” during practice this week, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said while answering a question about starting cornerback Antwon Blake during his news conference Tuesday.
Blake, whom Pro Football Focus ranks 113th among 114 NFL cornerbacks it evaluates, missed tackles during Sunday's loss at Seattle. He played every snap in a secondary that allowed 345 passing yards.
“(Blake) had some difficulties in the game from a tackling perspective. I think you can say the same about (nickel cornerback) Ross Cockrell,” Tomlin said. “We're going to give both guys an opportunity to rebound, but we're also going to look at other options this week.”
Blake, in his fourth season, is a starter for the first time. Veteran William Gay is the other starting cornerback, although he goes into the slot when Cockrell enters the game.
The Steelers acquired Boykin on Aug. 1 in a trade with the Eagles, who received a fifth-round pick, and he had a reputation for being a stellar slot cornerback. The Steelers prefer Gay in the slot, and seem to have little confidence in Boykin outside.
Tomlin said the team is weighing keeping Gay on the outside in nickel situations, allowing Boykin to play the slot.
“(Boykin's) kind of distinguished himself as an interior corner, but William Gay has played primarily in the interior and has been rock solid for us,” Tomlin said. “The performances of the guys outside (Blake, Cockrell) needs to be better, based on the last performance. But not that it's been consistently below the line looking at the larger body of work. So it really hadn't been a big discussion about getting (Boykin) reps to this point. I acknowledge that it is going to be a big discussion as we prepare this week.”
The Steelers rank 30th in the NFL in passing defense (283.6 yards per game).
to read rest of article:
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/9546139-74/tomlin-boykin-game#ixzz3tCAnG4NF
by Chris Adamski
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015
Four months to the day after being acquired, Brandon Boykin finally might be part of the Steelers' defensive game plan.
The fourth-year cornerback, who has played only 24 snaps in the first 11 games, will be given a “look” and “an opportunity” during practice this week, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said while answering a question about starting cornerback Antwon Blake during his news conference Tuesday.
Blake, whom Pro Football Focus ranks 113th among 114 NFL cornerbacks it evaluates, missed tackles during Sunday's loss at Seattle. He played every snap in a secondary that allowed 345 passing yards.
“(Blake) had some difficulties in the game from a tackling perspective. I think you can say the same about (nickel cornerback) Ross Cockrell,” Tomlin said. “We're going to give both guys an opportunity to rebound, but we're also going to look at other options this week.”
Blake, in his fourth season, is a starter for the first time. Veteran William Gay is the other starting cornerback, although he goes into the slot when Cockrell enters the game.
The Steelers acquired Boykin on Aug. 1 in a trade with the Eagles, who received a fifth-round pick, and he had a reputation for being a stellar slot cornerback. The Steelers prefer Gay in the slot, and seem to have little confidence in Boykin outside.
Tomlin said the team is weighing keeping Gay on the outside in nickel situations, allowing Boykin to play the slot.
“(Boykin's) kind of distinguished himself as an interior corner, but William Gay has played primarily in the interior and has been rock solid for us,” Tomlin said. “The performances of the guys outside (Blake, Cockrell) needs to be better, based on the last performance. But not that it's been consistently below the line looking at the larger body of work. So it really hadn't been a big discussion about getting (Boykin) reps to this point. I acknowledge that it is going to be a big discussion as we prepare this week.”
The Steelers rank 30th in the NFL in passing defense (283.6 yards per game).
to read rest of article:
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/9546139-74/tomlin-boykin-game#ixzz3tCAnG4NF