Pittsburgh Steelers rookie corner Beanie Bishop is fresh off the best performance of his career. He has head coach Mike Tomlin to thank.
Time is running out for Pittsburgh Steelers corner Beanie Bishop to make a strong impression on the coaching staff before veteran Cameron Sutton returns from suspension.
On Sunday, he made the most of his opportunity.
The rookie had the best game of his career against the visiting New York Jets, logging two interceptions – one of which was inches away from a pick-six. Pittsburgh won, 37-15, to advance to 5-2.
Admittedly, one of Bishop’s interceptions was more of a right place, right time play than a flash of elite instincts. But when he flipped his hips in time to bet between quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Garrett Wilson, he made a play born in the film room.
On Wednesday, he credited his success to head coach Mike Tomlin, who has held a bit of office hours for the undrafted free agent.
"I watch film with coach Tomlin on Friday mornings before we start meetings," Bishop said, via Aaron Becker. "I kinda go and see what he's looking at. He gives me tips because he's obviously been in the league for a long time going against different coordinators, different coaching styles."
Clearly, the work has been paying dividends. He got his first flash of ball production in Week 5, logging a pass breakup. He added another in Week 6. On national television, the dam broke and he found his first two interceptions.
For a defense that had trended toward average against the pass after a hot start, Bishop’s emergence has been quite meaningful. His role is guaranteed with Sutton’s return looming, but game-changing plays are the quickest way to cement one’s spot in the starting lineup.
"We started two weeks ago. He's like, 'You got a minute?' I went up to his office, and then last week I asked him, 'You gotta minute," Bishop said. "We just gonna keep it going."
He’ll have the opportunity to continue building momentum against a vulnerable New York Giants offense on Monday, when quarterback Daniel Jones comes to town. Without left tackle Andrew Thomas, Jones has been put behind the eight ball, and with little in the form of explosive plays, the Giants are likely to be behind the sticks for much of the night.
The stage is set for Bishop to stave off Sutton. The veteran slot corner struggled to the tune of over 1,100 yards allowed, per Pro Football Focus, in 2023. Despite his size, Bishop has matched his physicality and willingness to play the run. The gap in ball production is shrinking, and Bishop has continuity on his side.
Perhaps a few more side sessions with the head coach can buy him the trust he needs to start the rest of the way.
