The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with the injury bug at the worst time of the season. When the 2024 schedule came out, many pundits pointed out this brutal stretch where the Steelers would face three of the league’s best teams in just 10 days. It’s a daunting task, and the Steelers have already dropped the first two games, losing to both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens. Now, they face another tough challenge against the Kansas City Chiefs, led by the unstoppable Patrick Mahomes.
The Steelers’ defense has been hit hard, with their secondary in particular showing cracks. Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson are both dealing with injuries, leaving the team vulnerable in coverage. This means that Cory Trice Jr. will likely be called upon to play a significant role in the game against the Chiefs. It’s not an easy task for the young cornerback, especially going up against Mahomes and his explosive offense. Though it hasn't been very explosive in the 2024 season, Mahomes and the Chiefs always present that threat.
Despite the challenges, Trice remains confident in his ability to step up when the team needs him most. As a former seventh-round pick, the pressure is on him to prove he belongs, but his mentality is one of readiness and determination. With his chance to prove himself on the biggest stage yet, Trice is eager to show that he’s more than capable of handling the tough assignment against one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
"I love it," Trice said. "I’m playing on Christmas. I’m playing against Mahomes. I’m itching to make a play against Mahomes. I’m loving day-by-day, making sure I execute the calls whenever it comes."
It’s uncertain which cornerbacks will be ready to play and which ones won’t, but it’s likely that Trice will be called upon to take on a significant role against the Chiefs.
While his early career has been plagued by injuries, Trice now has the opportunity to be the healthy cornerback who steps up and makes an impact. After playing most of the game against the Ravens, Trice gained confidence in his abilities, showing that he’s ready to rise to the challenge when his team needs him most.
"I was out there all last game, for real," Trice said. "I’m always going to feel like I’m ready. I prepare every day. I practice when I can. I definitely feel like he will be ready."
The Steelers' defense was once hailed as one of the best in the league, but their last two games against the Eagles and Ravens have raised major concerns, particularly in the secondary.
Steelers' Secondary In For A Brutal Challenge Against The Chiefs
This is a troubling development, especially when preparing to face off against Mahomes. While the Chiefs haven’t been as explosive on offense lately, they’ve recently welcomed Hollywood Brown back to the lineup, and rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy is starting to find his rhythm. Add in the ever-present threat of DeAndre Hopkins, and the Steelers' secondary is in for a tough test. Oh and the Steelers can't forget about star tight end Travis Kelce.
If the Steelers can’t slow down these wide receivers, it’s going to be a long day for their defense. While the challenge is daunting, it does present an opportunity for Trice to prove his worth in one of the biggest games of the 2024 season.
Steeler Nation will be watching closely to see if Trice can rise to the occasion. With his newfound confidence, this could be the moment for Trice to show just how much he’s capable of, and fans are eager to see if it translates to a standout performance.
