The Pittsburgh Steelers have watched their longtime AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, go from a team that would perpetually build the league's most dominant defense to an organization being carried almost entirely by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
Even though some players, like much-maligned Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, have proven the Ravens correct for refusing to bring back for a second contract, players like Brandon Stephens might be making the 2-6 club that is two games behind their hated Pennsylvania foes regret their offseason decisions.
After a slow start with the New York Jets, Stephens now has PFF's highest grade among cornerbacks since Week 4, all while ranking second in PFF coverage grade and showing some very nice reps as an open-field tackler. Stephens allowed just three catches for 14 yards against Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the Cincinnati Bengals.
A Ravens team that is leaking coolant in the secondary is probably regretting not retaining Stephens, all while figuring out why they were unable to fix some of the flaws that ruined his time in Baltimore.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans can laugh at Ravens bungling Brandon Stephens
Stephens is not that far removed from a season in which he gave up more yards in coverage than any other cornerback in the league. Perhaps defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who has seen his seat turn red hot, doesn't know as much as he thought he did about maximizing his players.
The Baltimore cornerback room consists of youngster Nate Wiggins trying his best to paper over the cracks, a veteran in Marlon Humphrey who is very clearly on the back-nine of his time as a starter in the NFL, the oft-injured Jaire Alexander, and a bunch of question marks. Even the Steelers' receiver room should be able to take advantage.
While Pittsburgh can't poke too much fun at this cornerback room due to Jalen Ramsey not having the impact many thought he would and Darius Slay randomly falling off a proverbial cliff, even the most adamant Ravens fan must admit Pittsburgh's cornerback room is superior.
Even on a bad Jets team, Aaron Glenn appears to have improved Stephens' play in a way the Ravens were unable to do so. This suggests more departures from this defense could thrive once they get away from a coach like Orr.