Since William Gay signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals recently, there have been a variety of opinions about the position, some not popular, mine included. But three years ago, when Keenan Lewis was drafted, I think many of us had high expectations for both he and Will Gay. In football, opportunity knocks and you either take advantage of the opportunity or you lose out. I know this isn’t necessarily the most popular opinion, but I think Will Gay had not one, but two windows of opportunity. Both times following BMac. The first time he couldn’t step up and the Steelers brought BMac back from the Cardinals, the second time, he improved – albeit incrementally.
In the National Football League – it’s not enough. He may very well be a good guy, and a brother on the team, but that doesn’t mean he’s irreplaceable.
In fact, while Keenan Lewis may not be the greatest corner in the League – which we’ll find out soon enough – realistically, all he has to do is meet the same level as Gay did last year and it’s already an improvement. *waits for the comments to begin*
Seriously, let’s say that either Keenan, or Cortez Allen for that matter, match the same level of play that Gay had last season, will you even be talking about the position as a loss? I think the answer is no. I hope that both Keenan and Cortez can compete for the starting role and that each has something to contribute, but even if it’s a wash and the level stays equal to last year, I consider it an upgrade.
And I expect that the Steelers will look for another DB in the 2012 draft.
The position is hard. Receivers are fast, and they are good. One on one coverage is tough. But that’s the role they chose to play and therefore they should play it and play it well.
I’ll be watching and I am sure that if the level of play is anything less than last year that many of you will find me and comment. I look forward to being right, this time 
