Yesterday’s game was not his first start, but it was certainly the most important so far for James Pierre, the second-year former college free agent cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was tested heavily against the Denver Broncos, and he failed a couple of those tests, but he ultimately persevered, and made the final play.
Pierre has been burned for a few big plays for touchdowns already this season, and he gave up another one yesterday with Teddy Bridgewater finding wide receiver Courtland Sutton over his head for the 39-yard score, which made it a one-possession game.
But when the Broncos got back down to the Steelers’ three-yard line in position to tie the game, it was Pierre, in coverage against Sutton, who made the play to intercept the ball and secure a much-needed win for a flailing Steelers team in desperate need of somebody to make a play.