3 winners and 3 losers from Steelers 2021 Hall of Fame Game
By Andrew Falce
Steelers loser: Justin Layne
Another cornerback competing for a potential starting outside job is former third-round pick, Justin Layne. Unlike Pierre, Layne had a less than stellar season debut. While he didn’t give up any big plays, he looked noticeably slower in coverage and his reaction to the offense wasn’t great. Add in a pretty heinous pass interference call and his overall game was a disappointment.
His lone good play wasn’t even entirely his own fault. While he is credited for a forced fumble, the receiver never really got a great hand on the ball. The juggling was more of the result of the fumble. His lone good play wasn’t really his fault at all, and it further adds to the conclusion of just how mediocre of a night Layne had.
If the first game was any inclination, Layne may be on the outside looking in at the roster right now. While not winners overall, both Stephen Denmark and Mark Gilbert had some positive pass breakups in the first game. Layne has a long way to go if he wants to make this roster. He will need to hone his skills in coverage sooner than later because the competition around him is quickly catching up.