Steelers' Rookie Beanie Bishop Continues To Improve With The Help Of The Veterans

The Pittsburgh Steelers saw their secondary really help swing the momentum back to their favor in the Sunday Night Football matchup with the New York Jets. The Steelers' defensive MVP of the game, Beanie Bishop, was able to pick off Aaron Rodgers twice -- both turnovers leading to touchdowns for Pittsburgh. Bishop, who has had a rough start to his NFL campaign, saw a switch flip Sunday night and a big part of it is the veterans around him.

During Mike Tomlin's press conference before the Steelers' Week 8 game, he was asked how veterans like Minkah Fitzpatrick help their younger players, especially Bishop. Tomlin spoke highly about Fitzpatrick's ability to help steady the waters for the young guys, helping them in certain situations that put them in positions to succeed. This also teaches them how to prepare for a NFL game week to week.  

"They steady the waters and they're really good communicators, and sometimes good communication is not vocally in the moment, but it's before the moment," said Tomlin. "If it's 3rd and 11 and we're in a defensive huddle, and he's able to say, 'Hey Beanie, watch out, remember on third down, they have a propensity to do this.'"

Bishop really did listen to the words of wisdom from Fitzpatrick, where he finished as the Steelers' second leading tackler with a tackle for loss and two interceptions -- one that he was a yard short from taking to the house. The Steelers figured that Rodgers would look to target their undrafted free agent, who was coming into the game giving up almost eight yards per target, allowing 126.3 passer rating, and giving up three touchdowns. 

Bishop after the Week 7 victory credited his film study for his stellar performance. He pointed out the different things that Rodgers would look for in the middle of the field and Bishop used that to his advantage right before halftime. Bishop being able to find weakness and tendencies in Rodgers' game goes back to the veteran mentorship of Fitzpatrick and others helping Bishop succeed week to week.

This was a must have night for Bishop with the return of Cam Sutton slated for the Steelers' Week 10 game against the Washington Commanders. With Bishop's struggles through the first six weeks of the season, he was expected to see more time on the sidelines once Sutton was fully back, but can use this game to build off of to see consistent snaps on the defensive side of the field after the Week 9 bye.

The Steelers' coaching staff has been rallying around Bishop all season, Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin especially. Austin talked about Bishop after the Cowboys loss and knew he was going to bounce back soon. While his big day didn't come in Las Vegas as Austin thought it would, nothing compares to a prime time performance against a future Hall of Fame quarterback to help build his confidence.

Steelers Might Have Found Another UDFA Stud In Beanie Bishop

Bishop's growth was on full display under the lights at Acrisure Stadium. The things he is picking up from the veterans from how to effectively study film, to in-game adjustments, is starting to show on the gridiron. Bishop is a finalist for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week after his big night and deservedly so. He is looking to have another big night in prime time against the New York Giants on Monday night and continue to carve out a big role on the Steelers' defense, even with Sutton back on the field soon.

How impressed were you with Bishop's performance with the Jets? Will Bishop continue to have a big role with the defense, even with Sutton's return after the bye week? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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