Boykin ready to shine
PITTSBURGH — Brandon Boykin has patiently waited for the chance to show the Pittsburgh Steelers what he can do. That opportunity figures to come for the cornerback Sunday night when the Steelers host the Indianapolis Colts in a matchup of 6-5 teams.
The Steelers have allowed 300-plus passing yards in each of the last three games. They rank 30th among the 32 NFL team in pass defense, giving up 283.6 yards a game, which is better than only the New Orleans Saints (284.2) and New York Giants (309.2).
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he’d likely make changes in the secondary and it appears Boykin will replace Antwan Blake in the starting lineup.
The Steelers acquired Boykin on Aug. 1 from the Philadelphia Eagles in a training-camp trade for a conditional fifth-round draft pick. However, the fourth-year veteran has been on the field for just 23 defensive plays through the first 11 games. Boykin was the Eagles’ primary nickel cornerback and had six interceptions in 2013.
“When you’re in the situation I’ve been in, it’s tough because you have to prepare every single week because you could be in at any time,” Boykin said. “But, I have to attack it the same way. I’ve never lost any confidence in myself this the entire season, so once I get out there, it will be exciting for me.”
That Boykin has played so little is a bit of surprise considering the Steelers have had problems defending the pass. However, defensive coordinator Keith Butler is not second-guessing the decision to keep Boykin on the bench.
