Pittsburgh Steelers: 4 things to watch for against the Patriots

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots reacts in the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots reacts in the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
2 of 4
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles out of the pocket as Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers pursues in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles out of the pocket as Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers pursues in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Artie Burns

Well, Artie Burns is back.

Honestly, if you can tell if you missed him or not please let me know. When he’s on the field, even for a play, it takes no time to make you realize why the former first-round pick shouldn’t be on the roster. Then, he’s off the field and you’re thinking, maybe he’s changed.

He hasn’t, at least that we know of. So, right now, we’re nervous, and until he proves he can guard anyone for a whole game – mistake free, that won’t change.

Not only does Burns need to prove himself before his NFL career takes a major plunge, again, but this secondary is in desperate need of a strong defensive back. Outside of Joe Haden, and Mike Hilton at times, they’re lacking a reliable corner. Burns is that guy this week.

Schedule