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The Pittsburgh Steelers have largely been a disappointment on defense throughout the first half or so of the 2025 season. That side of the ball relies on turnovers and often struggles getting off of the field, but the group has shown some improvements as the season has gone along. Those improvements have come with schematic adjustments as well as significant personnel changes, whether that be from injuries, poor play, or new additions. In recent weeks, Kyle Dugger has been a new addition who has played well, and James Pierre has shone while filling in for a beat-up cornerback room.

Pierre has been with Pittsburgh since the 2020 season, when he signed with the team as an undrafted free agent. He had a short stint with the Washington Commanders as well at the start of the 2024 season, but he ultimately wound up back in Pittsburgh. He has mostly just been a depth piece and a special teamer throughout his career, but he has been shining on defense in recent weeks. It started with a few good plays against the Los Angeles Chargers in relief of an injured Darius Slay, and he played well in Slay's spot against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, too.

Slay missed the game against the Bengals due to a concussion, and team insider Mark Kaboly believes there is a chance that Slay may have lost his starting job. He spoke about this during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan

"There's not one of us here that was thinking, 'Boy, James Pierre is gonna shut down Higgins and Chase,' said Kaboly. "We were thinking, 'Oh geez, this is gonna get ugly.' Why hasn't this guy been playing for two or three weeks now? Why hasn't he been playing for the last year if he's been that good? Or is this just a one off? I don't know, I guess we'll find out. But you can't bring Slay back right now. No way you can bring him back."

Pierre was receiving praise from everyone after the game against the Bengals, including his head coach, Mike Tomlin. Pierre had a tough test in front of him as the Bengals roster arguably has the best wide receiver duo in the league with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as well as several capable third options. Pierre stood up to the challenge, and he was a big reason Cincinnati's passing attack was largely shut down.

Pierre had opportunities for an interception in each of the last two games. He nearly picked off Justin Herbert along the sidelines while playing the Chargers, and the same thing almost happened to end the game on Sunday. Pierre did scoop up a fumble and return it for a touchdown in the win over the Bengals, and he also did a good job tackling.

There is no reason for Pittsburgh to return to playing Slay at outside cornerback once he returns from his concussion. He should now be a depth piece, as Pittsburgh needs to see just how good Pierre can truly be.

Steelers still have Asante Samuel Jr. to add to the mix

Pittsburgh signed Asante Samuel Jr. last week, and he should be activated to the game-day roster in the near future. He was still getting used to the new defensive system and playing football again, so he was not activated for Cincinnati. Pittsburgh's secondary was initially struggling to begin the year, but now that unit seems to be pretty special. 

The great plays have not come from where they were expected to, but it is great to see guys like Dugger and Pierre step up in the absence of others.