This is one of those moves where it looks like Tomlin and Colbert were not on the same page.
Did anyone take the time to read past the headline? The author lays out a pretty clear chain of events as to why Boykin was acquired and then not slotted into the starting line-up.
Basically seems like Cockrell was an unexpected bonus player that fell into their laps.
Again, not saying that I would have or continue to make similar decisions as the Steelers have with the DB situation - but there is a chain of interconnected events that logically line up to result on Boykin not playing.
Hell, if Golson doesn't break his shoulder - none of this happens anyways.
So he thinks Blake is doing well? Wow!
Why draft anyone? The Steelers are doing ok. Haha
Hater = Realist
The secondary is suffering at the safety and outside CB spot. Boykin can do nothing about the safety play. So take a look at CB.
1. Gay plays either outside in the base or slides into the slot on the nickel. Boykin is not taking Gay's spot in either package.
2. Cockrell is locked in as the nickel corner. As the article states this is a player they wanted to draft a year ago and view as a building block moving forward.
3. That leaves Blake. For reasons that remain unclear the Steelers view Blake, even an injured Blake, as a better outside corner than Boykin.
The first two I can see the reasoning behind. It is the third one that really seems to fly in the face of reason and logic. If nothing else, use Blake's health as an excuse and sit him for a week to "heal up" and see what Boykin can do.
That's basically how I see it too.
Gay needs to be on the field because he's our best everyday corner right now.
Blake has no business still being out there - this season has been all about proving he's NOT the long-term answer, and he's established that pretty well now. Anything more with him this season is just wasted downs.
Cockrell could go either way. He's definitely shown some potential, but I don't think he's an everyday player yet.
It's pretty clear that it ought to be 1 - Gay, 2 - Boykin, 3- Cockrell, and Blake only when there's no other option.
See you Space Cowboy ...
Gay has always been pretty up and down playing on the outside. I see no reason why Boykin cant be the starter on the outside in base formation. Ive pretty much given up on Blake being viewed as "replaceable" by the coaching staff. That redzone pick of Dalton and Chargers pick 6 are going to keep him in the starting lineup no matter what
Basically I don't listen to anything that the coaching staff says any more. It's all b.s. Boykin is a better cover CB than anyone else on our roster, period.
I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play! - Jack Lambert
I tend to agree with what you are saying here but you kinda don't know that for a fact because you haven't seen him play with the Steelers. If you give up a 5th Round pick, for what appears to be a very good slot corner based on his history and a potential starter outside, you may want to give him a few reps to see how he does. To maybe see if he has indeed developed into an outside guy.
Steelers coach explains Brandon Boykin's limited role on defense
Bryan DeArdo - Nov 19
On Thursday, defensive backs coach Carnell Lake detailed the reason for Brandon Boykin's limited play this season.
Acquired from Philadelphia this past offseason for a fourth or five round draft pick (Boykin will have to play in at least 60 percent of the team's defensive snaps for the team to surrender a fourth round pick), Boykin has seen little playing time this season, making just six tackles with one pass defensed.
When asked what would need to happen for Boykin to have a more expanded role on the defense, Lake said: "Somebody else would have to be playing badly right now. I have faith and confidence that he can play. It's just that we're doing OK."
Boykin's lack of playing time has been a hot button topic all season, especially during the secondary's struggles defending the pass. But despite being 27th in the league in pass defense, the Steelers are fifth in points allowed, as the secondary has continued to make opportunistic plays despite giving up a bevy of yards through the air.
Acquired to add depth to the secondary that was facing question marks this past offseason that included the departures of Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu, Lake and the rest of the Steelers' coaching brass must feel that Pittsburgh's cornerbacks, specifically Antwon Blake and Ross Cockrell, are playing well enough that Boykin's services are not needed at this time.
http://pit.247sports.com/Bolt/Steele...fense-41210924
.....
Are they still doing "ok"?
I think it might be time that Lake is sent his walking papers. The defensive backfield has pretty much been horrendous with little to no signs of improvement under his tutelage.
When is enough actually enough and attempts are made at what point to try to improve this part of the team?
Last game against the Browns a 3rd string QB put up a career game (sure, some will argue they only gave up 9 points and ignore the atrociousness but that is because the Browns actually suck).
Wilson had a career day yesterday.
Really and truthfully, nothing more can be said. Attempts need to be made to fix this shit.
"Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." -- Mark Twain
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Yep, surrendering 39 points and 5 TD passes to Russell Wilson and a bunch of scrub receivers sounds ok to me.
"Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." -- Mark Twain
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I'm fine with firing Lake. But fire all the coaches you want to - it won't fix the problem that aside from Mitchell (gawd, I can't believe I typed that!) there are zero players on the roster that are physically and mentally capable of consistently making plays in the secondary. Zero. They are either terminally stupid, physically limited from an NFL athlete standpoint, or a toxic combination of both.
Considering that all of the current secondary besides Gay and Mitchell is off the undrafted free agent or waiver wire scrap heap, I don't think it is surprising that the secondary is terrible.