Will Steelers Be Able To Keep FA CB Keenan Lewis?

[SteelersCanada]

Steelers' Allen could have bright future

Posted Dec. 28, 2012 @ 10:08 p.m. ET
By Mike Wilkening

Two days before the Steelers’ season finale, CB Cortez Allen was asked what he would take away from his second NFL campaign.

“I still have a lot of growing to do,” Allen said. “ … There’s still so much to learn.”

More improvement from Allen would be an exciting prospect for the Steelers considering the promise he has shown in 2012.

Allen’s potential was on full display in the Week 16 loss to Cincinnati, when he had a hand in all three Bengals turnovers. He twice intercepted Bengals QB Andy Dalton, and he forced an A.J. Green fumble recovered by S Ryan Clark in Pittsburgh territory. The interceptions were the first of the 24-year-old Allen’s NFL career. Allen shared credit for the takeaways with his teammates, saying that the defense’s collective play “enabled me to make the plays I did.’

Improved technique will be a focus of Allen’s offseason workouts. He figures to be no worse than the Steelers’ third cornerback in 2013, and a starting spot is quite possible, especially if Keenan Lewis departs in free agency.

We may look back and see 2012 as a “bridge” season of sorts for Allen, a campaign where he showed he could be a consistent contributor for an older defense that will need its younger players to continue to step forward.

“I do feel like I’ve progressed a little each week,” Allen said.

-- I think with the development and improvement of Cortez Allen, keeping Lewis around might still be important. Having Cortez improve the way he was over the last season has shown me that we don't necessarily need to spend a first round pick on a Corner when Ike decides it's time to hang 'em up. Allen and Lewis can anchor the secondary and we could have two younger safeties (Amerson and Lester, anyone?) play alongside them. That would give us an explosive secondary that knows how to create turnovers and get the ball back for our offense.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Originally Posted by SteelersCanada

Steelers' Allen could have bright future

Posted Dec. 28, 2012 @ 10:08 p.m. ET
By Mike Wilkening

Two days before the Steelers’ season finale, CB Cortez Allen was asked what he would take away from his second NFL campaign.

“I still have a lot of growing to do,” Allen said. “ … There’s still so much to learn.”

More improvement from Allen would be an exciting prospect for the Steelers considering the promise he has shown in 2012.

Allen’s potential was on full display in the Week 16 loss to Cincinnati, when he had a hand in all three Bengals turnovers. He twice intercepted Bengals QB Andy Dalton, and he forced an A.J. Green fumble recovered by S Ryan Clark in Pittsburgh territory. The interceptions were the first of the 24-year-old Allen’s NFL career. Allen shared credit for the takeaways with his teammates, saying that the defense’s collective play “enabled me to make the plays I did.’

Improved technique will be a focus of Allen’s offseason workouts. He figures to be no worse than the Steelers’ third cornerback in 2013, and a starting spot is quite possible, especially if Keenan Lewis departs in free agency.

We may look back and see 2012 as a “bridge” season of sorts for Allen, a campaign where he showed he could be a consistent contributor for an older defense that will need its younger players to continue to step forward.

“I do feel like I’ve progressed a little each week,” Allen said.

-- I think with the development and improvement of Cortez Allen, keeping Lewis around might still be important. Having Cortez improve the way he was over the last season has shown me that we don't necessarily need to spend a first round pick on a Corner when Ike decides it's time to hang 'em up. Allen and Lewis can anchor the secondary and we could have two younger safeties (Amerson and Lester, anyone?) play alongside them. That would give us an explosive secondary that knows how to create turnovers and get the ball back for our offense.

Robert Lester has looked slow and barely draftable this season. I taped the Auburn Bama game to look at him and Corey Lemonier and Lester was hugely disappointing. Below is a scout comment on him this season.

Robert Lester, S -- Alabama: Lester looked like a top safety prospect after 2010 and had many scouts believing he was better than former teammate Mark Barron. His play has since leveled off with some scouts, even believing Lester has regressed on the field. The senior has looked indecisive and slow to react this season, making plays after the fact rather than forcing the action. Lester posted 52 tackles and eight interceptions as a sophomore. His cumulative totals the past two seasons include 69 tackles and five interceptions.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...#ixzz2GYLo0oRa

[jtbsteeler]

Did Lewis get injured?

[Raw Steel]

What would you rather have? Him back or Harrison. Not a tough choice.

[jtbsteeler]

Originally Posted by Raw Steel

What would you rather have? Him back or Harrison. Not a tough choice.

Lewis. I didn't see the first few minutes. Did Lewis get hurt?

[pittpete]

Yes, saw him limping early in the game.
Think it was his hip again.

Who would you rather have next year?
Lewis/Taylor starting
or
Lewis/Allen starting?

[jtbsteeler]

Lewis and Taylor, with Allen as the nickel.

I'm excited about our draft position.

[harrison'samonster]

Lewis and Taylor starting next year. I think Lewis is going to be a good one.

[cowherpower]

Originally Posted by jtbsteeler

Did Lewis get injured?

Yes but not before giving his customary 10 yard cushion, turning his hips to early and allowing a reception without being 5 yards from Benjamin. The 4th or 5th WR for them. Seriously, if we start Lewis and or Allen next year we are seriously going to lose a lot of games. At least Allen has age and inexperience for an excuse. Lewis is just bad

[lloydwoodson]

Originally Posted by cowherpower

Yes but not before giving his customary 10 yard cushion, turning his hips to early and allowing a reception without being 5 yards from Benjamin. The 4th or 5th WR for them. Seriously, if we start Lewis and or Allen next year we are seriously going to lose a lot of games. At least Allen has age and inexperience for an excuse. Lewis is just bad

"Only two cornerbacks in the NFL have been targeted more than Lewis, but the big, physical defensive back has excelled this year. Lewis has allowed only 5.62 YPA and a 74.9 passer rating in 2012. With cornerback Ike Taylor out, Cortez Allen has also been thrust into the starting lineup. The 5.84 YPA and 80.0 passer rating he’s yielded are right on par with Lewis.

If there’s a weak spot in Pittsburgh’s secondary, it’s nickel corner Curtis Brown. In limited action, Brown has allowed a 75.0 completion percentage, 9.67 YPA, and a passer rating of 132.6. Look for the Cowboys to utilize three-receiver sets, whether they want to run or pass, to get Brown on the field."

Found this on the Dallas Cowboys site. Hope it sheds some light on our cbs for you. Lewis is actually pretty good.