PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre had a banner day in the team's 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, recording two passes defended and a scoop and score to seal the victory.
Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was held to three receptions for 30 yards, while the Bengals other standout receiver Tee Higgins had three receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. Pierre played a big role in limiting the Bengals two-headed monster at receiver.
"He's grown throughout the years," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. "He's gotten better with each and every year he's been here, with roles and his ability to respond to opportunity and so forth. There's a veteran, high level of consistency that we're seeing right now. That's why I talked about him the way I talked about him, I think on Tuesday."
Pierre has put together two straight impressive performances. When replacing an injured Darius Slay in Week 10, he made an instant impact by slamming Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis .
"James is always game," Tomlin said last Tuesday. "I thought he played really well. But I thought he's played really well when called upon all year. I think it's reflective of how he prepares and the level of professionalism that he brings day in and day out."
"It's been cool to watch the growth and development of his career over the time that he's been here. If you remember, he was an undrafted Covid guy.
"I think globally it was single-digit guys that made rosters undrafted that Covid year. He's been one of them. I didn't meet him until we reported to camp. That's a memory."
Despite the trial and tribulations, Pierre always believed in himself.
"I just used it as fuel," Pierre said. "It's like when a running back fumbles. His next run's gonna be harder.
"Never lose belief in yourself. Every day. It's constant. It's like a job believing in yourself. As humans, sometimes we don't know. All we've got is hope. But we've always got to believe in ourself to take the next step."
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Under-the-Radar Steelers CB Turns Heads in Win over Bengals
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