Pittsburgh Steelers' Positional Breakdown - The Cornerbacks

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

With our offensive breakdown of the quarter backs, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends and offensive line now in the books, it is now time to move to the other side of the ball. Our breakdown of the defense will start with the Pittsburgh Steelers' Cornerbacks.

With only Bryant McFadden not returning to his starting role in 2009, this position will remain pretty much 'status quo' from the one that won the Super Bowl last season.

Gay moved up on the depth chart when McFadden signed with Arizona as a free agent. That, coupled with veteran Deshea Townsend becoming more entrenched as the nickel back, opened the door for Gay.

Two years ago, Gay was a little-known, fifth-round draft pick from Louisville. Now, he's on the verge of starting at cornerback for the defending Super Bowl champions. Now on to the breakdown of the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive secondary.

The Starters

Steelers Position Breakdown of the Defensive Backs

Ike Taylor

For the second consecutive year, Taylor has restructured his contract to help the Steelers gain some cap room and be able to sign other key players. That in it's self shows, off the field, he has character.

On the field Ike is all business. Just ask Chad Ocho Cinco, of the Cinncy Bungals, about his talent. Taylor is still the only DB on Ocho's 'list' to not get checked off. Taylor has the speed and ball skills to be one of the best in the business at his position and has the respect of the leagues top receivers to boot.

Ike's one flaw is his hands and ability to create interceptions. He has possibly dropped more potential int's then the great Rod Woodson every caught. If his skills catching the rock could improve, Ike might be considered a top five NFL cornerback.

Either way he is still one of the best the game has to offer and a few years under Mike Tomlin's tutelage has only made him better. Our suggestion to Ike, here at Pittsburgh Blitz ,is that he no longer packs those butter sandwiches in his lunch on game days.

William Gay 

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