Steelers News: Sean Davis enters pivotal season in contract year

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 over. As the team disperses 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 Sean Davis, entering a contract year, could benefit from the newfound experience of Terrell Edmunds and solidify the back end of the Steelers’ secondary.

Let’s get to the news:

• Steelers fans’ thoughts on safety Sean Davis are mixed. Some are impressed with how he has changed positions so much throughout his first contract with the team, while others see nothing but a second round pick who hasn’t produced much. To say this year is crucial for Davis is an understatement.

Carter’s Classroom: Davis needs stabilit

By: Chris Carter, DKPittsburghSports

The Steelers’ 2018 secondary improved from 2017. That doesn’t mean a whole lot considering how it’s still arguably been the worst group on the team, but the improvement allowed them to limit big plays. Much of that came from safety Sean Davis helping to improve coordination.

For the first time in Davis’ career, he will be able to start at the same position he played at the previous season. After arriving as a slot defensive back and being moved all around the secondary as a rookie, then playing strong safety in 2017 and free safety in 2018, Davis can finally make a home at free safety in 2019.

Maybe that’s what he needs to find consistency. Let’s take a look.

To read the full article, click HERE

• In case you hadn’t heard how offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett got the nickname “Sweet Feet”, this is how:

How Harrison revealed Sarrett’s ‘Sweet Feet’ nickname

By: Hunter Homistek, DKPittsburghSports

Perhaps the only difficulty Sarrett’s faced at all came in actually getting the job. While he wouldn’t deny his excitement to seize such a lofty position at the NFL level with the team that put him on the map, Sarrett noted the other side of the coin as well. Munchak was leaving. For real this time.

And as it was throughout Sarrett’s tenure to that point, Munchak was right beside him when the announcement came.

”He was actually there with me, and we sat there for a moment. He says, ‘It’s your gig now. You take it and run with it,’” Sarrett said. “Which I was excited to do ... I was getting the job. I was also sad because I was losing a mentor, a guy I looked up to and I still look up to to this day. If I have a problem, I’m going to lean on him. I’m going to call him. He’s been great to me and he’s been great during the transition. Just that moment ... it was kind of bittersweet.”

Sarrett didn’t linger too much in his emotions there, though. After that sentimental touch, he bounced right back with one of the best anecdotes of camp to-date: A story about his nickname, “Sweet Feet,” and how James Harrison totally blew his cover one day at the facility.

This one’s too good to transcribe. Take it away, Mr. Sarrett: (To see the video click the link below)

To read the full article, click HERE

• For Devin Bush, football isn’t just a game...it is a family affair.

Family tradition

By: Mike Prisuta, Steelers.com

Defensive coordinator Keith Butler knew what the Steelers were looking for, well enough that it was recognizable upon discovery.

Now that they’ve found it, the pressure is on to justify the investment in first-round pick Devin Bush.

“There will be great expectations, and he knows that,” Butler acknowledged during Mandatory Veteran Minicamp. “And that’s OK, because in order to be successful in this league you gotta perform under pressure.

“You gotta perform under pressure and he’s going to have to do that, as well as his coaches.”

The Steelers were adamant in their desire to bolster inside linebacker in the draft, but they were also aware their options were limited in terms of being able to make a splash.

“We knew what we wanted,” Butler continued. “The guys we wanted were the Devins, both the Devins.

To read the full article, click HERE

• Running back by committee? Maybe not...Steelers Digest Editor Bob Labriola breaks down why this may not be a guarantee.

Asked and Answered: June 20

By: Bob Labriola, Steelers.com

TAG WILSON FROM MCDONOUGH, NY: James Conner and Jaylen Samuels are proven NFL backs, Bennie Snell Jr. is expected to be the same, and Trey Edmunds will compete for a roster spot. What is your general view of running back by committee, and have the Steelers used this approach in the past? Will Snell be used as a goal line puncher to improve the red zone results?

ANSWER: James Conner can be considered a proven NFL back because of what he produced as a second-year pro in 2018, but you’re jumping the gun on Jaylen Samuels. Not that Samuels is a bust or was a disappointment as a rookie, but he has a ways to go before he deserves to be called “proven.” My general view of “running back by committee” is that teams employing that approach do so because they lack one individual who is sufficiently multi-talented to handle all aspects of the job. In the NFL, a successful backfield employs one primary guy and then a complementary player who can be used in situations to give the primary guy a breather. And then you conclude with this: “Will Snell be used as a goal-line puncher to improve the red zone results?” In 2018, the Steelers led the NFL in red zone offense, which means they converted a higher percentage of their trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns than any of the other 31 teams in the NFL.

To read the full article, click HERE

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