Steelers Plan To Pick On 'Candy Bar' Boykin
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Steelers Plan To Pick On 'Candy Bar' Boykin
Paul Domowitch
After solid performances against Cleveland and Baltimore, Brandon Boykin has struggled a bit in the Eagles’ last two games.
The rookie nickel corner took some licks from two of the best wide receivers in the game – the Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald and the Giants’ Victor Cruz.
The Steelers have watched the tapes of those games and seem to think they are going to be able to take advantage of Boykin on Sunday at Heinz Field.
"That’s the candy bar," wide receiver Antonio Brown told the Washington (Pa.) Observer-Reporter, a suburban Pittsburgh newspaper. "He’s given up a lot of plays. Whoever gets that guy definitely has to take advantage."
Boykin has been targeted 22 times in the first four games and allowed 11 receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown, per Pro Football Focus. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been targeted 20 times and given up 8 catches for 142 yards and no touchdowns. Nnamdi Asomugha has been targeted 15 times and given up six catches for 134 yards and one touch
Steelers are going to struggle a little bit to move the ball w/o a run game. At home and coming off a bye they will be ready to play though. Like every other Eagles game this year it will come down to TO's. Birds +3— sla6yer- The Steelers like Belachik seem to always expose our weaknesses. However though we will be exposed again I'm sure on the D-side but our Offense should carry the day.— FROM THE BEACH
- Besides that 2004 game I haven't seen the Steelers expose anything in a long time against the Eagles. — BumSatellite
- Time to step up and prove yourself rook. You seem to have the talent to be a very good corner. This is your opportunity. Make the most of it.— eaglesfancostarica
- Boykin has both heart and talent. The slot is probably the toughest position to defend. Look for a lot of free safety help. Eagles by 10!!! This team is scrappy.— 1983ufgator
- "Red Herring" by the Steelers. Hype attacking Boykins when they really plan to attack another area...— TPZ
- Sorry, but the numbers here don't tell me that Boykin can be had. DRC and Nnamdi's numbers are not much different than Brandon's. Actually I think Big Ben will be roughed up in this game and won't have much time to throw. They may win but it won't be because of Boykin's play.— Tom Man
- It'll take Boykin a while. If we're going to go deep into the playoffs, it's good if teams target him a lot now. He needs to get two years experience this first year.— armchairGM
- I trust Boykin! Mistake by the Steelers. Kid looks like the real deal.
Go Eagles— connorjr - Boykin just had two deal with IMO, the two very best receivers in the game, particularly when lining up in the slot. The Steeler's wideouts have great speed, but they're a step down from Fitzgerald and Cruz in the middle of the field. He needs to step up and I believe he will.— auntesther
Comment removed.- Duhhhhhh, there's a reason nickelbacks don't start. If he was better than DRC or Nnamdi, then he'd be starting. If any team's nickelback was better than their starters, then that would be pretty odd.— JimG
- Good, smart move by a low-IQ Steeler guy...rookies get better each game, especially trial by fire BB!! Come on kid, just keep improving, Trent and Jason and Cullen got your back!!— BirdinParadise
- My Steelers dont have a running game or offensive line, but some how, some way, i think we win. I think Vick will get hurt and all of yous will get your wish and see Foles at the helm!!!!And we will intercept him for a pic-six!!!— huntnmike3666
- The Boykin kid is showing a good account of himself. Against the Giants, he made big plays when the game was on the line to prevent Cruz from a first down late. He is adjusting very well and learning. There are bound to be some lapses against top talent but he recovers very well. It's a long season and thus far all of the rookies playing meaningful minutes are contributing.
Most impressed with Big Flech. This should be a real good opportunity for Cox to do some damage against Pittsburgh Sunday. Flech should come out of this game with his confidence very high. I look for Big Flech to disrupt Big Ben and drag him down a few times. I also noticed Thornton having a solid game against the Giants last week. Nice to see good things happening for rookies.— Dexter
