Steelers News: Artie Burns tackles his demotion head on, and is ready for a bounce back

With all of the Steelers’ 2019 offseason workouts in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has to suffer through the dog days of summer until the boys of fall return to the gridon. In the meantime, don’t think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is from over. As the team retreats for the summer, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how Artie Burns, although not the starting cornerback for the black-and-gold anymore, has faced his demotion head on, and is determined to work his way back onto the field in 2019.

Let’s get to the news:

• Everyone knows Artie Burns’ story. Rookie who showed tremendous promise, a gradual decline in performance his sophomore year followed by a precipitous drop off in 2018. What lies ahead for Burns is anyone’s guess, but the young CB is working his tail off to make things right in 2019.

Kevin Gorman: After being benched, Artie Burns shows accountability to Steelers

By: Kevin Gorman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

By the time the Steelers drafted in 2016, Burns already was a father figure to his younger brothers and a father to a young son, roles that were thrust upon him without a choice.

“It definitely molded me,” Burns said. “It’s definitely had a lot of effect on what I do and how, and my beliefs. That’s just life.”

So you would think this holiday is a special one to Burns.

And you would be wrong.

“I don’t celebrate Father’s Day,” Burns said. “You’ve got to appreciate people year-round. That’s part of my belief. It’s a family thing. Everything I do, every action all ties in together. It’s not one day where I appreciate you. You show appreciation every day.”

To read the full article, click HERE

• Mike Hilton wants a new contract, and he is primed for a big year in 2019 if he has to prove his worth to the Steelers organization.

Slowing things down

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

In a game that moves at lightning speed, having it slow down can be one of the best things that happens for a young player.

And that was just the case last season for Mike Hilton, the cornerback who is entering his third season in the league.

“The game definitely slowed down for me,” said Hilton. “It’s big. You are starting to see things easier. You are starting to make reads easier. When the game slows down more plays are out there for you to make. I think I improved there this past year.

“The more you play, the more you see, the more it all slows down. You’re able to break down plays and routes. It gives you a better opportunity to make plays on the ball. Through OTAs and minicamp, I have been making plays.

“There are always things I can get better at. There were plays I left out on the field last year, and I don’t want to do that again.”

To read the full article, click HERE

• The Steelers are a team in transition, but that doesn’t necessarily mean things are bad. Believe it or not, this team has bonded over past drama and believes in each other heading into 2019.

JuJu: ‘We believe in each other’

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

Smith-Schuster is a worker. When he is on the field, he is laser focused. He is intelligent, knowing the offense. And he knows what is expected of him, that others are looking at him to be productive, to be a mainstay for the offense.

“For me it’s my third year. Guys have played more years in the league,” said Smith-Schuster, who doesn’t tout the role, but others definitely acknowledge it. “But I want to be more vocal, speaking up in the group. Everybody in the (receivers) room is a leader. If they want to say something, they can say whatever they want. Being a leader by making plays on the field and speaking up.”

To read the full article, click HERE

• One of the players retained by the Steelers this offseason, but doesn’t get much publicity, is Tyson Alualu. A player who fits the team’s 4th DE rotation perfectly.

Steady veteran Tyson Alualu perfect fit for Steelers’ 4th defensive lineman

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

From the beginning of their professional marriage 2½ years ago, Tyson Alualu and the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed like a perfect fit. So when it came time to extend the partnership this past winter, it was the proverbial a no-brainer from Alualu’s end.

Apparently, it was for the Steelers, too.

“I knew that I wanted to be back here,” the defensive lineman said during minicamp this past week, “and I just wanted to make sure that the feeling was mutual on their end. They shared that, so in the end I just think it made sense.”

To read the full article, click HERE

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