The Bend But Don’t Break Steelers Defensive Secondary

The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive secondary has used every player they have on the active roster to help stop the pass and support the run. So far this season, at 6-4, they have made big plays and some bad ones. There have been stretches in which the secondary has played above average and times  it seemed anyone could pass on them. Going forward, more consistent play will be required if the Pittsburgh Steelers are to win ring number 7.

No.22 William Gay:

Has started all ten games this season. By far has been the most reliable cornerback for the team. Has recorded 40 tackles and a interception in which he scored on. Has been great in run support and has helped bring to other cornerbacks along. Going forward Gay will need to continue to do he is doing now plus a little more

No.25 Brice McCain:

So far this season McCain has been the best free agent signing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Has covered some of the games best wide recievers in T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson,and Torrey Smith. Through it all McCain has held his own. Since being inserted into the starting lineup the Pittsburgh Steelers are 3-1. Going forward McCain will need to continue to provide great depth as Ike Taylor is soon to return from injury. Has recorded 13 tackles,a interception which lead to a touchdown.

No.24: Ike Taylor:

The longtime starter has been out most of the season with a broken forearm. When healthy Taylor is the corner who has contained elite recievers with very little help from the defense. Has recorded 8 tackles so far. Going forward Taylor will need to come back strong from injury and be the old Taylor if the Pittsburgh are to win another superbowl.

No.43 Troy Polamalu:

The guy still has it. Has missed one game due to a injuried knee but still flashes the playmaking ability that will make him a future hall of famer. So far has recorded 51 tackles,with four for a lost. Going Forward Polamalu must stay healthy and come up with more big plays to keep the defense from tiring out from long drives.

No.23: Mike Mitchell:

Mr Steady himself. Known for laying big hits on the offense Mitchell so far this season has recorded 46 tackles this season which places him 3rd on the team in that catergory. Mitchell excels at playing the middle of the field allowing Polamalu to do what he does best which is roam around.Going forward Mitchell just needs to simply be Mr. Steady.

No.28 Cortez Allen:

Has been the most disappointing player of the entire unit. Has the skill set to be one of the best in the league but has not done enough with that skill set. Going forward unless given another chance Allen will likely spend most of the time on the sideline.

No.21 Robert Golden:

The special teams captain has recorded 9 tackles thus far this season. Has played a little defense but mostly has led a special teams that only given up one special teams touchdown all year. Going forward Golden will need to be the special ace that he is.

No.29 Shamarko Thomas:

Has missed so much time this season due to injury. When healthy Thomas is great on special teams and usually plays the nickel and dime on defense.

No.35: Ross Ventrone:

Mostly special teams and has been great at that. Not used much on defense and it will likely stay that way moving forward. So far has recorded 5 tackles.