‘They’re Stealing Money’: Former Steelers OL Blasts Steelers CBs

The Steelers have struggled in pass coverage this year. In many respects, the cornerbacks have become the team’s biggest Achilles heel on the defensive side of the ball, with multiple receivers going off for massive games against them. But more than that, with Joey Porter Jr. in the lineup, Pittsburgh has some turnover. But that does not mean Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace are escaping criticism.

Joining The Carton Show, former Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon broke down where Pittsburgh is after their win over the Rams. How can the team slow down Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley? It won’t be easy, but Colon is not confident in the cornerbacks. He ripped them harshly.

“They gotta be better in the secondary because Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson, they’re stealing money right now,” Colon said.

Colon noted that he believes the defense has plenty of holes, but they know how to win. That’s a fair take on it. Somehow, Pittsburgh has clawed its way to a 4-2 record despite playing lackluster games on both sides of the football. It’s an odd group to do that with, especially with glaring team problems. This is a solid measuring stick for the secondary where they stand with Porter in the lineup. Peterson will likely shift more into the slot, which could open things up for the rest of the defense. But it’s the rise of Porter that defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is so encouraged by so far.

“I thought he handled himself well,” Austin said. “He did some really good things coverage-wise. You know, it’s what we talk about every week, is the more he plays, the better he plays, the more he progresses, the more snaps he gets, then he’ll earn those snaps, and I think he earned those last week and he’ll continue to do that.”

The Steelers need their secondary to play better in coverage, and they must tackle better, too. It’s all a question for the team that has struggled to slow down opposing passing attacks, even in wins. With Trevor Lawrence playing high, Pittsburgh must slow that down to have a chance in this game.