Steelers' Mike Tomlin Accused Of Once Again Misleading Media With James Pierre And Darius Slay Drama Emerging

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a good problem to deal with in relation to the 2025 roster. While there aren't too many superstars on the depth chart, the organization has plenty of depth in several key areas. One of the most intriguing individuals throughout recent weeks has been cornerback James Pierre. He has emerged as a top option in the secondary, and took advantage of his opportunity to start in Week 11 with Darius Slay in the concussion protocol. Despite Pierre's strong performance and Slay's recent struggles, Head Coach Mike Tomlin told the media that the veteran in Slay will be the starter when healthy.

Pierre has spent pretty much his entire career with the Steelers. He has only ever been active for professional games as a member of Pittsburgh's organization, but special teams has been his primary responsibility. He seemed like a new-and-improved version of himself on defense against the Cincinnati Bengals, and that certainly got the fan base and media's attention.

Gerry Dulac has covered the franchise for a long time and hosted his weekly fan chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday morning. Several questions came in regarding Tomlin naming Slay as the starter, but the insider cautioned believing that sentiment.

"That's just Tomlin being coy Tomlin," Dulac wrote. "Slay may start, but that doesn't mean he will play more than Pierre or even finish as the starter."

Someone else asked a similar question of Dulac. It was pretty simple; if both players are healthy, why not go with the hot hand in Pierre, particularly because of how inconsistent Slay has been. The reporter echoed his prior answer.

"Doesn't mean Slay will stay in that role," Dulac noted.

It was a very hot topic for Dulac. Fans have noticed Pierre's emergence and want to see more of him on the field. Another individual chimed in asking if the long-time special-teamer should be starting.

"Slay is the starter. But see above answers for clarification and amplification."

Dulac's point is that everything can change very quickly. Slay may trot out onto the field for the Steelers' Week 12 matchup with the Chicago Bears, but that might just be a formality. Tomlin is known for respecting veterans, so it would be unlike him to openly bench Slay in a press conference with the media. As Dulac noted, it's just the head coaching being coy. He often is very deliberate and careful with his words, so this should come as no surprise.

The Steelers will be competing against some tough offenses down the stretch. Slay does add a little more experience when it comes to playing for a Super Bowl contender, so that could factor into Tomlin's decision to label him as the current starter. With that said, every snap matters during November and December football contests. Slay could be benched as soon as Sunday if he comes back from his concussion performing at an inconsistent level.

Pierre is going to have his opportunities moving forward. Slay's return will not prohibit Tomlin from allowing Pierre to have more chances to prove himself. At some point, riding the hot hand is crucial when a team is trying to win its division. The Steelers' head coach knew he was going to be asked about the cornerback room and prepared a simple answer. Per Dulac, that means absolutely nothing.

Steelers Have A Very Good Problem Currently With Slay And Pierre

While the veteran in Slay hasn't exceeded expectations by any means during his short stint in the Steel City, he is still a respected defender. Pierre's emergence creates a problem for Tomlin, but not a bad one. Depth is important, especially late in any given season. Time will tell which route the coaching staff wants to go, but labeling Slay may simply be a formality. He could be one snap away from giving his spot up to Pierre.

Do you think that the Steelers need to bench Slay in favor of Pierre? Let us know in the comments below!

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