5 Steelers players who disappointed in win over the Cowboys

CB Justin Layne

I want to like Justin Layne so bad, but I just can’t get myself to do it. He is now in his third season in the NFL and looks as lost at times as he did as a rookie. The length and physical tools that Layne possesses are remarkable, but those clearly aren’t as important for instincts, ball skills, and a feel for the game – something Layne seems to be lacking.

Not everything was bad for the young cornerback against the Cowboys. Layne did defend a few balls nicely, but he was very inconsistent in this contest. On one play, he would dash forward to make a tackle for a short gain on the next he would be giving up way too much space on a post route.

In addition, Layne had a pass interference called on him deep down the sideline and didn’t even make an effort to get his head turned around on the play. Justin Layne may have all the upside you could hope for in an outside cornerback, but it has yet to translate to success on the football field.

I think it’s safe to say that James Pierre has pulled safely away from him so far, and now undrafted rookie Mark Gilbert may be nipping at Layne’s heels. He needs to step up his game quickly.