4 questions Steelers must answer in preseason game vs. Lions

Will a frontrunner emerge at backup cornerback?

This is one question I am very curious to see answered. To the surprise of many, the Steelers transitioned Antoine Brooks – a forme box safety – into a nickel defender this summer. In fact, Brooks was listed as the starting nickel cornerback on the team in Pittsburgh’s first training camp depth chart.

However, veteran signing Arthur Maulet has since closed the gap a bit. As Brooks has been absent with an injury, Maulet got a crack with the starters against the Eagles and made a few nice plays. I’m interested to see which player gets the nod first against the Lions and who looks better overall.

Of course, there’s always the option of kicking Cameron Sutton inside in nickel situations and playing James Pierre on the outside. This would likely give Pittsburgh their best coverage unit, but potentially make them a bit worse against the run.

I want to see how many different nickel looks the Steelers deploy against the Lions and whether or not one of the cornerbacks can separate themselves from the pack.

There will be plenty of other players to watch in a preseason game that will feature the starters early. I’ll be sure to go back and put on the film following the game to check out anything I might potentially miss.