Looking for a hot button issue when it comes to the 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers? One of the biggest has easily been the play of the Steelers secondary this season, especially after one of the worst performances in recent memory this past Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Steelers pass defense ranks near the bottom in a number of key categories including total yards allowed (30th) yards allowed per game (31st) and passer rating (27th). They also rank dead last in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed, yielding 30 so far this season.
It’s not a pretty picture for the secondary through the first 12 weeks of the season. With that in mind, let’s hand out individual grades for the group so far.
Willie Gay — Once again this season, Gay has been asked to be a starter, and he’s been by far the most reliable of the group. Despite of no interceptions to this point, Gay has done yeoman’s work in coverage and rarely gets exposed in one-on-one match ups. One of the last remaining pieces of the 2009 Super Bowl Champion defense, Gay has been more than adequate. The problem is he is being relied on to play too much of a role at this point. Grade- B-
Antwon Blake — From relative unknown to a late season starter in 2014, the Steelers chose to re-sign Blake over fellow UFA Brice McCain in the offseason. Blake fought off challenges from Allen and trade acquisition Brandon Boykin to be named starter opposite Gay, and the results this season have been a mixed bag.
Among the highlights of Blake’s season was a pivotal 70-yard interception return for a score that was a difference maker in a 24-20 win over Chargers. Blake also had a fourth-quarter interception against the Bengals that looked to put the Steelers in position to get a home win against the Bengals. Blake also is second on the team in tackles, but when one of your corners is among the leaders in this statistic, it’s a problem.
Blake at times has provided the Steelers with quality play, but his efforts have been wildly inconsistent. If you ever wanted a perfect example, look no further than last week’s effort in a loss to the Seahawks. Between the missed tackles and receivers running all over the field wide open, Blake could not have played worse. This has been too much the theme with Blake, and it’s hurt the pass defense immensely. Grade- C-
Ross Cockrell — Cockrell went from the waiver wire this preseason to being a key contributor at cornerback for the Steelers. Cockrell is a perfect example of the Steelers front office being unwilling to get serious about upgrading the position through the draft, as he joins the likes of McCain and Blake who were taken off the scrap heap and then asked to play crucial roles at corner.
That’s not to say Cockrell has not had his moments. Cockrell has two interceptions on the season and has often been asked to cover the opponents top receivers. In fact, there is some reason to think Cockrell might develop into a solid player who can provide depth long term, especially with Blake’s future in doubt with his contract expiring after the season. The problem is too much is being asked of Cockrell now, and it’s another reason the Steelers are giving up nearly 300 yards a game through the air. Grade- C
Brandon Boykin — When Boykin was acquired by the Steelers for a fifth-round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles, the prevailing opinion was the team got the cover corner they were desperate for. Instead, Boykin has barely played other than as a special teams player and despite of ranking near the bottom in passing yards allowed can’t seem to find his way into the rotation at all.
Blake’s horrible performance against the Seahawks might finally be enough give Boykin meaningful reps this Sunday against the Colts. If not, why did Kevin Colbert make this deal? Grade- F
Mike Mitchell — For a variety of reasons, high-priced free agent Mike Mitchell had a rough debut with the Steelers last season. Now healthy and comfortable with his role, Mitchell leads the team in interceptions with three and has been an intimidating force at free safety.
Mitchell is also third on the team in tackles and his play has been a relative bright spot for the much maligned Steelers secondary. Some have even suggested he’s playing at a Pro-Bowl level, something I’d suggest is insane. He’s been much better, but not that good. Grade- B
Will Allen — To be fair, Allen was expected to be a backup at safety. Instead, he’s been forced to step in at strong safety and it’s been largely a struggle for the 11th year player. Allen hurt his ankle early, and that did not help his cause. His 53 tackles are fourth on the team, and his last minute interception against the Rams sealed a win.
That’s the positives. The negatives start and end with Allen’s complete inability to cover the pass. He’s been downright awful in coverage and he’s been exposed all season, especially by the long list of top tight ends he’s been forced to deal with this season. Grade- D+
Robert Golden — You have to give Golden credit. After being strictly a special teams contributor his first three seasons, Golden has started three games in place of the injured Allen and has done a decent job. That being said, Golden is very limited, especially defending the pass and is clearly a special teams ace more than someone who can be relied on to start in the NFL. Grade- C
Shamarko Thomas — He’s neck and neck with Boykin as the biggest disappointment in the secondary. Remember when the Steelers traded up to nab Thomas as the eventual replacement for Troy Polamalu? Thomas not only can’t crack the lineup ahead of Allen and Golden due to his awful play (remember his brief sample against New England?) but he’s also had some dubious moments on special teams. Bust? I’d say that’s affirmative. Grade- F
