Steelers snap totals vs. the Bengals point to an even balance among the team's cornerbacks

Leading up to Week 14, one of the most discussed aspects of the Pittsburgh Steelers was their defensive secondary, but more specifically the rotation which was deployed successfully against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. The team finally got Brandon Boykin on the field for significant snaps, and it gave players like Ross Cockrell and Antwon Blake a time to rest and recover.

It worked in Week 13, and Mike Tomlin promised it would continue in Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and it did. Snap totals show a very even distribution among the four cornerbacks. William Gay (48), Ross Cockrell (46), Brandon Boykin (39) and Antwon Blake (31).

The order which the players saw the field was deserved as Gay and Cockrell have been the most steady and consistent defensive backs on the team this year. Nonetheless, Boykin is starting to make a name for himself, and is a large reason why he is now seeing the field more than Blake. Boykin played a great game against the Colts, but missed tackles continued to be the primary knock on the young defensive back. Boykin's performance against the Bengals proved he can indeed tackle, as he contributed 3 tackles and an assist in Week 14.

The Steelers seem committed to the defensive back rotation moving forward, and rightfully so. If it is working, why stop? The Steelers will need to keep their defensive backs fresh when the Denver Broncos come to Heinz Field in Week 15. Brock Osweiler or Peyton Manning will be the signal caller going against Pittsburgh's questionable secondary, and with weapons like Emmanuel Sanders and Demariyus Thomas, they will have to be on top of their game.

For the complete list of Steelers Snap Totals, see the chart below courtesy of Pro-Football Reference.

(Editor's Note: Jarvis Jones is listed as Jacoby Jones in the below statistics.)