3 Steelers who could see a depth chart demotion soon

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some early-season woes. Here are three underwhelming players who could be demoted if their play doesn’t improve. 

After an electric start from Pittsburgh’s defense in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers fell flat against the Raiders at home last week. With some key players absent and a few others leaving the game due to injury, the true colors started to show for some Steelers.

There is plenty of cause for concern so far early in the 2021 season and Mike Tomlin’s team needs to start improving soon. Here are three players who could see a demotion on the depth chart if they don’t stat to pick up their play:

Steelers CB James Pierre

I thought James Pierre had one of the best training camps and preseason of any player in a Steelers uniform this summer. Sadly, that will only get you so far, and how you play in the regular season is far more important.

Unfortunately, I don’t think Pierre has been very good so far this year. Though it’s only two games, Pierre has already surrendered 9 catches on 13 targets for 107 yards (8.2 yards per target), according to Pro Football Reference. This lines up with what we see on the tape.

Filling in for Joe Haden against the Raiders, Pierre was picked on all game and allowed way too much cushion down the field. He will be given the opportunity to turn things around, but with two cornerbacks sitting behind him who are much more athletically gifted in Justin Layne and Ahkello Witherspoon, James Pierre could be on a short leash.