Steelers CB Answers Bell After Challenge From Coach

UNITY TWP., Pa. — After a rough game on Friday, James Pierre needed to show the Steelers coaching staff that he could respond in the right way. The veteran cornerback allowed 6 receptions for 92 yards on six targets, allowing a perfect passer rating when targeted. Following the game, Teryl Austin talked with the media on Sunday to discuss what he saw with his defense, but Pierre came up. He gave him a critical review, almost challenging Pierre with his statement.

“He plays hard. But I thought he left some plays out there that he could’ve made,” Austin said. “So, we’ll continue to work with him to get him to where he needs to be. I think he’s still in a position where he brings good value to the team. But is he the 4th CB or the 5th CB and special teams guy? We don’t know that yet. We’ll work to find that out.”

James Pierre goes through drills during Steelers training camp.

So, on Sunday, Pierre did his best go out there on the practice field and head what Austin said, and the Steelers got a look into what Pierre could do. Covering Calvin Austin III, Pierre stepped in front of the nine route and picked it off. He would later drop another interception, but it was a play that was wholly caused by Pierre prior to that. I thought it was his best play all of training camp and something he can really build upon. Overall, Pierre had a good day with about three different pass breakups. But he wasn’t the only player in the secondary to make some noise.

That could be the main undoing for Pierre as the CB4. There are other guys who are out there and giving him some real push like Madre Harper and Luq Barcoo. Neither of those guys has Pierre’s special teams upside as a gunner, so that is something he brings to the table. But Sunday was a good first step to recovering from a tough first game.