The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped another close game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. While the defense did its job well enough, causing three turnovers, the Cowboys still found ways to move the ball down the field consistently. One of the ways Dallas found ways to move the ball was targeting the Steelers' undrafted free agent, Beanie Bishop.
Bishop, who has taken the role of starting slot corner while Cameron Sutton serves his suspension, was a focal point throughout training camp. He performed strongly during practices and preseason games to the point the coaching staff was confident that he can thrive in the regular season.
He didn't have a night to remember and it showed. When Mike Tomlin was asked about Dak Prescott targeting Bishop throughout the game, he told the media that they knew that Bishop would be targeted but that's to be expected as a young corner in the NFL.
"You know we all know that Beanie is going to get targeted and I think Beanie knows he is going to get targeted and he is a young guy in the huddle such as life in the NFL as a defensive back." said Tomlin.
Bishop had a game to forget. As Tomlin said, Dallas was going to attack him until he proved he could make big plays consistently. Not only was he beaten a good amount throughout the night, his penalties didn't help either.
He was called for a face mask that put the Cowboys into Steelers' territory and would help them take a 6-3 lead in the second quarter. Late in the third quarter, the Steelers sacked Prescott and that would have forced a fourth down, but Bishop was called for holding. The Cowboys would end up scoring their first touchdown of the night right after.
Bishop has not lived up to the hype from the offseason so far into the season. With Sutton waiting to make his return after the Week 9 bye, he might play himself into less snaps. There isn't much depth in the corner position with Cory Trice Jr. and Ryan Watts on Injured Reserve. The Steelers have been reliant on Bishop to continue the success from training camp, but that hasn't been seen much through the first five weeks of the season.
The Steelers know that Bishop is going to be opposing offenses' target throughout the season. Until he can show that he can compete at a higher level, the mistakes and big plays that he gives up will continue to hurt the defense. If the Steelers' coaching staff cannot help Bishop improve his game for the next four weeks, more teams will take advantage of the weak link.
Right now, Sutton looks like he will be primed to take over the position fully in Week 10. If Bishop continues to flop like he did against the Cowboys, the snap share will heavily favor Sutton. The depth currently at the corner position is not deep especially after a surprise release of Darius Rush. The Steelers need Bishop to turn his play around quickly, especially if someone in the cornerback room gets injured.
Steelers Need To See Better Play From The Rookie Corner
Bishop is still young and has much to learn when it comes to the NFL. The Steelers will continue to trust him as their starting slot cornerback until Sutton is back in Week 10. Bishop had flashes of good play throughout the summer, but it hasn't shown when it matters.
Tomlin is a big believer of corny metaphors and sayings. Right now the saying of "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link" has to be creeping into his mind when it comes to Bishop's play through five games. For Steelers fans, they are hoping they see the Bishop from the summer, but doubts are creeping in quickly.
Will Bishop get back on track and improve his game or will the next four games be his last games as the starting slot corner? Let us know what you think in the comments.
