Tomlin says he'll start Blake over Boykin against Ravens

[hawaiiansteeler]

Tomlin says he'll start Blake over Boykin against Ravens

December 22, 2015
By Ray Fittipaldo / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



Antwon Blake takes down Cleveland's Travis Benjamin.

Antwon Blake continues to be the most targeted cornerback in the NFL and opposing receivers continue to post big numbers against him, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said this afternoon that Blake will continue to start ahead of Brandon Boykin.

After the Steelers gave up 27 points to the Broncos in the first half Sunday, Boykin played more than Blake in the second. The Steelers shut out the Broncos after halftime, but the rotation will not change for this week’s game against the Ravens in Baltimore.

“We’re going to continue with the rotation we’ve had,” Tomlin said. “Sometimes the numbers may change over the course of a game, but I wouldn’t read too much into that.”

Boykin played more than Blake against the Broncos. He was on the field for 50 of the defense’s 76 snaps. Blake and Ross Cockrell, who has been the nickel back for most of the season, played 44 snaps.

to read rest of article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/s...s/201512220167

[zulater]

What's the definition of insanity again? ....

[polamalubeast]

[steelcityboyz]

wow

[steelreserve]

What's the definition of insanity again? ....

Arguing with your girlfriend. But this is right up there.

[polamalubeast]

The numbers of snap in the second half against Denver.....

[SteelMember]

He better be saying this as a smoke screen for opponent game prep, because if he's serious... he's a fucking idiot

In reality, he's probably figuring Blake can get some reps against a decimated offense. And if he can't hack that... well, who the hell knows. He probably gets another start, you know, just to make sure he stinks.

[st33lersguy]

Mike Tomlin, you are one stupid mother%%%er. Tomlin watches as the Steelers defense plays infinitely better with Boykin than Blake and has watched as Blake has played like utter vomit, yet this idiot still insists on going with Blake. Is he taking Baltimore so lightly that he wants everyone to know that on Tuesday???

[HollywoodSteel]

I don't see why everyone's bashing Tomlin. He is unselfishly trying to provide viewers with a more exciting game.

[salamander]

He's a fucking moron.

[86WARD]

Not sure why everyone is upset...it's "The Standard".

[GBMelBlount]

[zulater]

If Tomlin didn't have this blind spot for Blake I would suggest this is possibly the best year of his career and he deserves strong consideration for Coach of the Year.

[Count Steeler]

Hard to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. Maybe he wants to have the worst rated CB. Go for it Blake. Prove papa proud.

[Steel Peon]

While I really like Boykin, the comparison to Blake is invalid because Boykin doesn't replace Blake when he enters the game. Who Boykin actually replaces is Gay, who the moves to the outside, and then Cockrell fills Blake's spot. Do these writers even know this? Do you guys?

[hawaiiansteeler]

While I really like Boykin, the comparison to Blake is invalid because Boykin doesn't replace Blake when he enters the game. Who Boykin actually replaces is Gay, who the moves to the outside, and then Cockrell fills Blake's spot. Do these writers even know this? Do you guys?

yes, we do.

you're arguing semantics...

[Texasteel]

While I really like Boykin, the comparison to Blake is invalid because Boykin doesn't replace Blake when he enters the game. Who Boykin actually replaces is Gay, who the moves to the outside, and then Cockrell fills Blake's spot. Do these writers even know this? Do you guys?

Where I may not have a great football mind like some of you. Point seems to be, Boykin in, Blake out, and the defense plays much better.

[st33lersguy]

Regardless of who replaces who, Burntwon Blake needs to sit out. Frankly 2013-14 Ike Taylor would be considered an upgrade over Blake

[steelreserve]

While I really like Boykin, the comparison to Blake is invalid because Boykin doesn't replace Blake when he enters the game. Who Boykin actually replaces is Gay, who the moves to the outside, and then Cockrell fills Blake's spot. Do these writers even know this? Do you guys?

In other words, Boykin replaces Blake. Then switches positions with Gay. Sometimes. They also used Boykin on the outside some in the last game. No, this is not news to anyone.

The point is that you take Blake out and you have substantially improved the defense by removing the weakest link by far.

[Psycho Ward 86]

remember when some people suggested in the middle of the season that maybe boykin isnt that good and is sitting on the bench over blake for that very reason?



Pepperidge farm remembers

[86WARD]

While I really like Boykin, the comparison to Blake is invalid because Boykin doesn't replace Blake when he enters the game. Who Boykin actually replaces is Gay, who the moves to the outside, and then Cockrell fills Blake's spot. Do these writers even know this? Do you guys?

Lol. Shocking...I don't think anyone knew that. Thanks for the education!

[HollywoodSteel]

Just to trying to find some reasoning to this decision, "start" might not mean all that much. It means he plays the first defensive snap. But maybe the reason Tomlin is doing it in this game is an effort to build Blake's confidence, and give him one more chance to prove himself against a team we'll have no problem scoring on, and making up for any of Blake's mistakes early on. Remember, Tomlin isn't promising he'll keep Blake in if he continues to show us the worst he has to offer. I assume that we won't wait until halftime this go around.

[cold-hard-steel]

I support Tomlin on this. Like they say Gay was on the grill not all that long ago. Find out if he's "Blake the fake " or just a safety posing as a cb.

[86WARD]

[whodat1]

Blake; He can't tackle anything that doesn't go down with a shoulder bump and couldn't cover a bed with a blanket. Does he even have real hands?

Honestly, I feel an irresistible urge to pick up my phone and call the burn unit every time I see him line up 12 yards off the receiver.

[Drazo85]

Just to trying to find some reasoning to this decision, "start" might not mean all that much. It means he plays the first defensive snap. But maybe the reason Tomlin is doing it in this game is an effort to build Blake's confidence, and give him one more chance to prove himself against a team we'll have no problem scoring on, and making up for any of Blake's mistakes early on. Remember, Tomlin isn't promising he'll keep Blake in if he continues to show us the worst he has to offer. I assume that we won't wait until halftime this go around.

Maybe, but it's sure strange that Tomlin has that much confidence in Blake, and wants to give him chance after chance, while he lost confindence in Cortez Allen almost immediately. Don't get me wrong, Allen was bad, but Blake isn't much better, if is better in the first place. At least Allen showed he can play in the league. So the standard isn't same for all players. Some of them get unlimited time and number of chances, and some of them are put on the IR for injuries they don't have for two years in row.

[MrPgh]

You're all painting this with a broad brush. The standard is the standard. Such is life in the National Football League.

[polamalubeast]

Regardless of who replaces who, Burntwon Blake needs to sit out. Frankly 2013-14 Ike Taylor would be considered an upgrade over Blake

Same for the 2014 Cortez Allen.....

[SteelMember]

Careful... those lines can be slick.

- - - Updated - - -

You're all painting this with a broad brush. The standard is the standard. Such is life in the National Football League.

Even at this juncture? after reviewing the tape... with due diligence?

[86WARD]

Blake is superior in the Combat Catch Category.