Tag: James Pierre

Benching Steelers veteran CB could alleviate defensive struggles

Cameron Sutton’s struggles in coverage call for changes in the Steelers secondary as the defense scrambles for improvement.

The grass isn’t always greener, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have learned this the hard way with veteran slot corner Cameron Sutton starting over rookie Beanie Bishop Jr.

Despite strong performances from Bishop, Sutton took over the starting slot CB role after returning from his eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Sutton has remained strong against the run but has struggled significantly against opposing passing attacks—an area of major concern for the Steelers defense over the past few weeks.

Injuries have forced Sutton into an expanded role for the Steelers, as his versatility allows him to play outside in addition to his natural position in the slot. However, these opportunities have only emphasized the need to bench Sutton.

CBs Cory Trice Jr. and James Pierre fit the Steelers’ needs better as outside man-coverage corners, and Bishop has already proven he can create splash plays from the slot.

With that in mind, the first step to addressing the Steelers’ defensive struggles seems simple: bench Sutton and let Trice, Pierre, and Bishop take over the secondary until CBs Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson are fully healthy.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Huge special teams mistake cost Steelers 7 points

Steelers’ fake punt misfire led to a Commanders TD, shifting momentum to Washington in their toughest game of the 2024 season.

It is safe to say Steelers’ CB James Pierre may be getting the cold shoulder from the Steel City, following what appeared to be a beautifully designed fake-punt call by Pittsburgh’s special teams coach Danny Smith—only for Pierre to drop the pass from special teams ace Miles Killebrew.

On fourth down, deep within the Steelers’ own 20-yard line, the shocking 18-yard pass from Killebrew seemed to catch Washington’s special teams unit off guard, and would have given Pittsburgh a crucial first down. However, due to Pierre’s botched execution, the Commanders took over in the red zone on downs.

A handful of plays later, this decision on special teams ultimately gifted Commanders RB Austin Ekeler a one-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 and shifting momentum away from Pittsburgh.

The special teams unit eventually rebounded in a big way, recovering a fumble off a muffed punt in the second quarter, immediately granting red-zone positioning to the Steelers offense.

Pittsburgh will need all three facets of their game to be near-perfect, as the 7-2 Commanders are their toughest opponent of the 2024 season so far.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers elevate 2 from practice squad

The Steelers bring up two players to help after placing pair on IR this week.

Saturday was a busy day for the Pittsburgh Steelers. First the team placed starting offensive tackle Troy Fautanu on Injured/Reserve with a knee injury and now they have elevated two guys from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

According to the transaction wire, the Steelers have elevated cornerback James Pierre and offensive lineman John Leglue in place of him. Leglue is likely to get a helmet this week given the lack of depth the Steelers have along the offensive line.

Pierre could also see himself in uniform on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers to help on special teams coverage and return teams after Pittsburgh put linebacker Tyler Matakevich on IR.

https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1837592492662829122

Leglue could find himself thrust into action as well as the only legitimate backup offensive tackle on the roster. Leglue started five games for the Steelers in 2021 but none of those were at guard.

Another option could be Spencer Anderson. Anderon is filling in at left guard but could move to tackle in a pinch.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers place special teams ace on IR

Pittsburgh placed LB Tyler Matakevich on IR with a hamstring injury.

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced a handful of roster moves. The Steelers signed defensive backs James Pierre and D’Shawn Johnson to the practice squad. In the process, the team also terminated the contracts of wide receiver Shaquan Davis and cornerback Zyon Gilbert to make room.

The team also placed inside linebacker and special teams ace Tyler Matakevich on IR with a hamstring injury. This means Matakevich will have to miss the next four games. Pittsburgh brought Matakevich back this offseason after he spent the last four seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Matakevich spent 2017-2019 with the Steelers after they selected him in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft out of the University of Temple.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1836141215483335111

With an opening on the 53-man roster, we expect Pierre to be the guy to replace Matakevich on the roster. His experience with the Steelers and skills on special teams make him a valuable asset while Matakevich is on IR.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers bring back familiar face at cornerback

Pittsburgh signed cornerback James Pierre to the practice squad.

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers brought back a familiar face at cornerback to the roster. No, the Steelers didn’t re-sign Patrick Peterson if that’s what you were hoping for. Instead, Pittsburgh brought back James Pierre to the Steelers practice squad.

Pittsburgh originally signed Pierre as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Pierre played his college football at Florida Atlantic. Pierre spent is first four seasons with Pittsburgh and started six games but was active for 66 games in four years.

Pierre was primarily a special-teams ace during his time with the Steelers and given the team put linebacker and special teamer on IR on Tuesday, Pierre could be a replacement primarily for coverage teams.

Pittsburgh has opened the season at 2-0 after back-to-back road wins over the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos. This week the Steelers return to Pittsburgh for their home opener. This will be the team’s biggest challenge of the season when the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers come to town.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Commanders add another NFL cornerback to roster

The Commanders add their third cornerback of the week.

Adam Peters signed another cornerback on Thursday.

The new Commanders general manager was able to ink Pittsburgh Steelers free agent corner James Pierre.

Pierre, age 27, was undrafted out of Florida Atlantic in 2020. He was signed by and joined the Steelers in 2020 and has played four seasons in Pittsburgh (2020-23).

It looks like perhaps another depth signing, as Pierre has managed to start only six games in his four seasons in the NFL. He has collected two interceptions and forced three fumbles, recovering one.

It might be helpful to remind Commanders fans that NFL teams can take 90 players on their roster when they go to training camp. Consequently, there will be these types of signings where Adam Peters is attempting to accomplish two things.

He is attempting to do this job to fill the roster with 90 players, providing him with enough camp bodies at each position to fully participate in training camp, scrimmages, and preseason games. He is also attempting to find enough of the type of players who will compete in training camp, wanting to make the roster, even if it means accepting a role of primarily playing special teams.

Pierre’s claim to fame is that his cousin is a well-established quarterback in the NFL. In fact, his cousin was an MVP twice (2019, 2023). His cousin is Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Commanders fans will recall another player from Florida Atlantic who had much success wearing the Burgundy and Gold. Running back Alfred Morris was drafted in the 2012 draft in the sixth round by Washington. He then proceeded to rush for an amazing 1,613 yards while averaging 4.8 yards per carry, rushing for 13 touchdowns and 86 first downs in his rookie season.

Morris followed up his fantastic rookie season with two more consecutive rushing seasons of over 1,000 yards in 2013 (1,275/4.6) and 2014 (1,074/4.1).

Former Steelers CB James Pierre signing with Washington Commanders

James Pierre had six career starts with the Steelers but wasn’t a significant contributor on defense.

According to reporter Josina Anderson, via his agents, former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre Jr. is signing with the Washington Commanders as a free agent.

Pierre spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Steelers. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Central Florida. Pierre appeared in 66 games with six starts. Pierre was never a great player on defense, but his contributions on special teams were significant.

Pierre was one of four Steelers cornerbacks who hit free agency but is the only one who has signed with another team. The others are Levi Wallace, Chandon Sullivan and Elijah Riley unsigned. The Steelers traded away wide receiver Diontae Johnson in exchange for cornerback Donte Jackson. He should start opposite Joey Porter Jr., leaving Pittsburgh to find depth at the position and a dependable player in the slot.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers CB James Pierre’s role on defense still up in the air

Steelers DC Teryl Austin isn’t sure what the team will do with James Pierre.

One of the strongest performances on defense Friday night for the Pittsburgh Steelers was cornerback James Pierre. Pierre played 51 snaps which was the most of any Steelers defender and led the team with 10 total tackles.

Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin offered up his evaluation of Pierre’s performance and in the usual Steelers style, offered very little in terms of positive affirmations and instead keeps things all business.

“He plays hard. But I thought he left some plays out there that he could’ve made,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “I think he’s still in a position where he brings good value. But is he the 4th CB or the 5th CB and special teams guy? We don’t know.”

Pierre must take advantage of every defensive snap he can get as he remains caught up in a position battle. The team has Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr., Levi Wallace and Chandon Sullivan as the team’s 3 primary corners and top reserve. This leaves two spots on the depth chart and Pierre isn’t alone fight for the spot.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers defensive back picks off Ben Roethlisberger, earns standout status on day 2 of minicamp

After each offseason session, a standout player gets to rap with the media in a press conference.

It’s a rarity for a player who went undrafted to make an NFL squad, let alone the 53-man roster, but cornerback James Pierre did. Most snaps came on special teams, but now that Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton are no longer in Pittsburgh, Pierre’s opportunities should grow — especially if he continues to have practices like the one on Wednesday.

After each offseason session, a standout player gets to rap with the media in a press conference. Pierre’s two interceptions of Ben Roethlisberger during minicamp earned him that right.

“To be honest, Ben is not just throwing anybody the ball,” Pierre said. “It’s precious to get one of those … It’s hard to get it from Ben. So when I got those, it kind of made me smile.”

Roethlisberger gave Pierre well-deserved props. “After practice, Ben came up to me, told me good job, gave me a fist bump,” said Pierre. “It built my confidence a little bit.”

Head coach Mike Tomlin sees that confidence. He said that Pierre knows what’s needed of him physically and mentally and has high expectations for him this season.

“I think we’re looking for all of those second-year players who gained experience, and that guy gained a lot of experience last year,” Tomlin told the media on Wednesday. “[Pierre] didn’t play a lot of defense, but he had a helmet on every week and was preparing every week. He was a critical component of our special teams unit, and that usually is an indication of the guys ready to proceed and advance. I think it’s reasonable to expect him to do so.”

[vertical-gallery id=490856]

[listicle id=490783]