Steelers: Mike Tomlin has a hilarious nickname for pair of rookie CBs
The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to get younger and bigger in the secondary this offseason. While we will wait to see the on-field product, they accomplished that mission when drafting Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. Both standing over 6'3" with long limbs and extended frames, Mike Tomlin has coined a nickname for the duo […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to get younger and bigger in the secondary this offseason.
While we will wait to see the on-field product, they accomplished that mission when drafting Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr.
Both standing over 6'3" with long limbs and extended frames, Mike Tomlin has coined a nickname for the duo that is catching steam around the locker room.
"Coach Tomlin calls the younger cornerbacks avatars. Well, how would you describe what you've seen from those young guys that obviously have a lot of eyes?" Asked Miss Matthews of Steelers.com
"Yeah, I mean, they're ultimate competitors, you know, they're long-armed corners, and whenever you have that in this league, that definitely gives you an advantage," said Steelers wideout Allen Robinson. "So being able to go against those guys in the red zone and things like that, you know, again, it's hard to make tight-window throws against longer corners. I think for us as receivers, it's iron sharpening iron, especially for us being able to get that experience in some of those tight window red area plays."
The Steelers may be one of the more traditional franchises across the league, but it doesn't mean they aren't willing to adapt. The game on the perimeter has only become bigger, faster, and stronger at the wide receiver position, meaning the defensive side of the ball has to counter in a similar fashion.
"The young corners that got drafted in Joey (Porter Jr.) and Cory (Trice Jr.), What is it like working with them and what kind of benefit do they have being bigger corners than you guys have traditionally played with the last few years?" Asked a Steelers reporter.
"Yeah. Oh, no, they're both sponges. They have a lot of questions for myself and Pat Pete and all the other guys that have been here," said Steelers All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. "Guys that like you said, they're long, fast, and physical. That's what we need on the outside, guys that can defend the fade route, defend the deep ball, and beat up receivers and slow them down."
"We've heard that Mike T. calls them Avatar corners. Is that a good thing?"
"Haha, that's a great comparison," laughed Fitzpatrick.
So while the corners may not appreciate being compared to blue-tinged alien life, they should know it's a compliment and a little joke sure to bring the guys together. The only question left is if the duo can save the Steelers.
Featured image via: © Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
