Can the Steelers belief Darius Slay to carry up in man protection?
Darius Slay is the newest in a rising line of getting old cornerbacks the Steelers have turned to lately. They’ve seen blended outcomes, generally reaching productiveness within the turnover division however falling quick in different areas. What’s going to they see with their newest undertaking? Properly, which will properly rely upon how they plan to deploy him.
If the Steelers introduced in Slay for the aim of operating a heavy man scheme, that’s one thing of of venture. At 34 years previous, he’s already exterior of his prime. He could have misplaced a half a step or so, and he isn’t coming off his strongest season. Actually, he didn’t even report an interception through the common season.
After all, Darius Slay had been one of many premier cowl corners of his technology, however what’s he now? The Eagles have been keen to lose him for a purpose, and the Steelers discovered him at an reasonably priced value for a similar purpose.
Gamers in Slay’s place insist that it’s age bias and that the NFL is a younger man’s recreation. There could also be some fact to that, however is Slay really taking part in at a equally excessive stage with the same talent set to 5 years in the past? He thinks he’s, however can he stick with vast receivers as he as soon as did?
If he can’t, it’s unclear what their alternate options are. The Steelers may substitute Slay for Cory Trice Jr., however he didn’t precisely shine late final season when he performed. Maybe, as a substitute, they must modify their schemes. They may both shift to extra zone protection or give Slay extra assist.
I don’t assume that’s what the Steelers signed Darius Slay for, although. It will appear to me they’re banking on him being that man, like they thought Cordarrelle Patterson can be. Completely different positions, in fact, however each with clearly diminishing athletic returns with age.
The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, no matter they really feel the necessity to name it, after one other disappointment final season. Although they limped into the playoffs, they as soon as once more embarrassed themselves therein.
Identical to final yr, the largest query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback query. Whereas they in the end traded George Pickens, they produce other selections to make. The 2025 NFL Draft class is now behind us, so many of the roster building is full.
However we nonetheless have a protracted offseason forward for Steelers soccer, or soccer in shorts. Sure will-he-or-won’t-he conditions stay in play, which we proceed to watch. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.
