Steelers young cornerback learning on job

[SteelCityMom]

Steelers young cornerback learning on job
By Ralph N. Paulk, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, September 2, 201

CHARLOTTE — Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor said last week that things would get tougher for cornerback Crezdon Butler, mostly because Butler's 95-yard interception return for a touchdown got everyone's attention.

The Panthers set him up with a couple of short post routes, then wide receiver David Clowney beat him on a deep route along the right sideline for a 41-yard touchdown to tie the score at 14-14 with 6:56 left in the first half.

» Steelers linebacker Mortty Ivy, a Gateway and West Virginia product, took apart the Panthers' second-string offensive line. He had 10 tackles a sack.

» Rookie defensive end Cam Heyward, who saw extensive action on special teams, left the game after taking a blow to the face.

"The guy is coachable," nose tackle Chris Hoke said of Heyward. "The sky is the limit for him."

» Doug Legursky became the third Steeler to start at right guard this preseason. Legursky got the starting nod over Tony Hills. Hills was in the lineup ahead of Ramon Foster, who started the first two preseason games against Washington and Philadelphia.

The Steelers may not be looking for a starter at right guard as much as they as they are looking to develop depth on an oft-maligned offensive line.

Trai Essex, who got the start at center for injured Maurkice Pouncey, was flagged for holding to wipe out a first-down catch by Amaz Battle in the first quarter. But Essex was solid in run blocking in his first action since the Steelers resigned him after letting him go before training camp began.

"We exercised some caution," coach Mike Tomlin said, "and we needed to take a look at some unproven guys anyway."

» Two former Pitt offensive linemen, right tackle Jeff Otah and backup center C.J. Davis, are expected to play major roles for the Panthers this season. Otah, in his fourth season, has been tasked with protecting Carolina's prized rookie quarterback, Cam Newton. Newton, who led the Panthers to a touchdown on their first possession, completed 3 of 5 passes for 25 yards before giving way to journeyman Derek Anderson.

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