Mike Tomlin Reacts to Possibility Steelers Replace Darius Slay With Ex-Undrafted CB
The Pittsburgh Steelers secondary has undergone quite the transformation to begin November. The team has made several changes to the unit, including at both starting safety spots. Another key factor to the improvement in Week 11 was the strong performance from cornerback James Pierre, who replaced an injured Darius Slay in the starting lineup.
Against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Pierre posted six combined tackles, two pass defenses and a fumble recovery. Pierre returned the fumble for a touchdown.
However, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin dismissed the idea that Pierre is about to take Slay’s job.
“[Slay] steps back in and plays,” Tomlin said Tuesday when asked whether Slay would retain his starting role. “We’re certainly going to continue to play James. He’s deserving of that. But if healthy, Slay is going to play.”
Slay has struggled at times this season. The 34-year-old is two years removed from his last Pro Bowl campaign.
A former 2020 undrafted free agent, Pierre is arguably coming off the best two games of his career. In Week 10, he registered five combined tackles and two pass defenses against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Slay exited that game and didn’t play Sunday because of a concussion. Tomlin, though, sounded optimistic Tuesday that Slay would be available for the Chicago Bears matchup on November 23.
James Pierre Emerging as Quality CB Option for Steelers
Although he was an undrafted free agent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it very difficult for undrafted players to earn roster spots, Pierre has managed to stay around the Steelers for six seasons. He’s been on and off the team’s roster and practice squad over the years.
Sunday marked the sixth time Pierre has dressed for at least 10 contests in an NFL season. Barring injury, he could be on the Steelers roster for 15 games for a sixth season as well.
In those 10 contests this year, Pierre hasn’t played a high volume of defensive snaps. He has averaged 17.5 defensive snaps per game.
But according to Pro Football Focus, Pierre is Pittsburgh’s top performing defender this season. He’s earned a 90.9 overall grade, which is slightly higher than edge rusher Nick Herbig and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.
Pierre has shined the most in coverage, which is what the Steelers were sorely lacking from their cornerbacks in October. Pierre has posted a 90.7 PFF coverage grade this season.
Slay has submitted a 57.2 overall grade and 57.9 coverage grade at PFF.
Those grades have to be taken with a grain of salt. However, it’s rather clear that, in his small sample, Pierre has outperformed Slay, who is playing a large amount of snaps as a starter.
Steelers to Stick With Darius Slay in Starting Lineup
Tomlin was clear to reporters Tuesday that Pierre has earned more playing time. But the Steelers head coach also reminded reporters why Pierre is considered a bench player.
“He’s done a nice job, but again, usually when you’re a backup man, you get targets, and so when you get targets, you generally get breakups,” said Tomlin on why Pierre is second on the team in pass deflections.
“We have not been displeased with his efforts. We’ve been quite pleased with his efforts. We’re certainly interested in continuing to use him as we move forward.”
Slay only has three pass deflections this season despite playing 303 more defensive snaps than Pierre. But clearly, Tomlin is opting to stay with the more proven player as one of the team’s starting cornerbacks.
Slay has earned six Pro Bowl nods and one first-team All-Pro nomination in his 13-year NFL career. Last season, Slay started for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Pierre is a career backup on a hot streak. That’s not good enough to replace Slay, according to Tomlin.
Kirk Cousins Sends Bold Message: 'I’m Not Here to Settle for Anything Less Than Greatness!'
Kirk Cousins, the veteran quarterback who has seen both the highs and lows of his NFL career, is not ready to rest on his laurels. After years of consistent, yet sometimes underappreciated play, Cousins has sent a bold and powerful message to both critics and supporters alike:
The Journey to Greatness
Kirk Cousins’ career has been anything but conventional. After entering the NFL in 2012 as a fourth-round draft pick for the Washington Football Team, Cousins quickly showed that he could be more than just a backup. His rise to prominence was steady, and by 2015, he was starting for Washington. He put together multiple 4,000-yard seasons, including a career-high 4,917 yards in 2016, but despite his individual success, he often faced questions about his ability to win big games.
In 2018, Cousins joined the Minnesota Vikings, where he continued to put up impressive numbers but struggled to lift the team to the next level. Despite strong regular-season performances, the Vikings’ inability to make deep playoff runs left some questioning whether Cousins had the clutch gene required for championship glory.
Now, as he enters a new chapter of his career, Cousins is determined to prove that he’s more than just a regular-season quarterback. His statement signals his readiness to step up when it matters most and show the world that the best version of Kirk Cousins is yet to come.
A New Mindset and New Goals
Cousins’ declaration is not just about statistics or individual achievements; it’s about changing the narrative around his career. Over the years, he has been perceived as a quarterback who can put up big numbers but often falls short in the clutch. Now, Cousins is aiming to redefine his legacy — one that includes playoff success and, most importantly, a championship run.
His message reflects a shift in mindset. No longer is he content with being seen as a quarterback who can put up big numbers in meaningless games. He is setting his sights on greatness, and he is ready to prove that he belongs among the best in the league, not just as a stat compiler but as a winner.
What’s Next for Cousins?
As Cousins looks ahead, he knows that achieving greatness is no easy task. The pressure to perform in the postseason is immense, and every game will carry the weight of his career aspirations. With a strong supporting cast around him, including elite offensive weapons, Cousins is poised to make a significant impact. But it’s not just about the pieces around him; it’s about his own mindset and approach. He knows that the road to greatness is paved with hard work, resilience, and, most importantly, the ability to execute when it matters most.
As Cousins continues to chase greatness, fans and critics alike will be watching. His next move could define his career, but one thing is for certain: Cousins is not settling for anything less than greatness. This is his time, and he is ready to show the world what he is truly capable of.
