The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Pittsburgh Steelers have dealt with a plethora of positional battles in 2024, with several seemingly being decided on a matter of HC Mike Tomlin’s preference rather than skill set. Tomlin’s decision to bring Russell Wilson into the starting conversation a few games too late was an example of this, as was his decision to ‘move on’ from rookie WR Roman Wilson’s participation earlier in the season when he was healthy. Tomlin is once again staring down another opportunity to make amends and choose dynamic play over loyalty, but the head coach seems keen on the latter.
While rookie slot cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. has been electric to start the 2024 season, the return of veteran slot cornerback Cam Sutton from suspension complicated the situation. It had appeared that Bishop had locked up the starting slot cornerback role, regardless of Sutton’s return. However, Week 13 saw the rookie see the field for only 9.7% of the defensive snaps, while Sutton took over the slot cornerback duties, playing over 70% of the snaps on defense. Sutton would give up two touchdowns in the contest, while Bishop hasn’t given up a touchdown since Week 6.
Tomlin tried to clarify that it was a matchup issue, but previous roster decisions he’s made may tell a different story.
Mike Tomlin says the ‘complexities’ of what the Bengals do are why Cam Sutton played in the slot more than Beanie Bishop. He wanted a veteran in there.
Doesn’t mean that Bishop will not take most snaps in other weeks, though.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) December 3, 2024
Will Bishop be given his chance to earn back the starting job he should have never lost? Or is this another circumstance with Tomlin choosing loyalty over talent?
