Welcome to Stats ‘N’ At, a weekly feature that takes a deep dive into the numbers that define the Pittsburgh sports scene.
Finally!
That undoubtedly was the sentiment of many fans after the Steelers selected Artie Burns with the 25th pick in the 2016 draft. Despite the NFL becoming more of a passing-oriented league with each new season, they hadn't invested a first-round pick in a corner since taking Chad Scott in the 1997 draft. Burns, though, brought size, speed, and swagger with him from the U. Finally, Pittsburgh had a corner capable of containing the game's ever-growing cadre of big-play receivers.
"Finally" was also the sentiment of many Steelers fans after Burns was yanked from the field, mid-series, against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 14. After two seasons during which he flashed elite talent but also endured lapses in his play, Burns has lost his grip on a starting job. The Steelers' presumed shutdown corner has instead become a favorite target of opposing quarterbacks.
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