When the Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Asante Samuel Jr., everyone thought he was just an opportunistic depth guy, there to bolster the secondary. But hold up, because this dude is already proving that “backup role” idea is totally off the table for him. Through the early weeks of camp in Latrobe and into that first preseason game, Samuel has been straight up dominant. His coverage is crisp, he’s shutting down opposing receivers, and now the coaching staff is having serious talks about how they can possibly keep him *off* the field, not just how to fit him *on* it alongside starters Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean.
“He’s Been Lighting It Up”: Samuel Jr. Forces a Rethink
Christopher Carter, host of the “Locked on Steelers” podcast, nailed it when he said Samuel has been “lighting it up.” Seriously, Carter pointed out the guy has been “shutting it down” and had a “great first preseason game.” That’s the kind of play that forces a team to look at their entire defensive blueprint. Samuel is making such a strong case, Carter believes he has the “opportunity… to shake things up” and that he’s the guy who will give the Steelers the confidence they “got to put him in the starting rotation somehow.” We’re talking about a former second-round pick making it impossible to keep him a reserve, shaking up a secondary that was already looking deep.
Unleashing Three Elite Covermen Changes Everything
Carter’s vision for how to use Samuel Jr. is wild, but it makes so much sense. Instead of just trying to slot him in, he suggested putting Samuel on the perimeter. Why? Because then Pittsburgh can unleash three elite cover men at the same time: Porter, Dean, and Samuel Jr. Imagine that! Carter even posited, “What if you just want to put the three best covermen we have… and we just blanket everyone out there and we erase wide receivers?” That’s a terrifying thought for opposing offenses, right? Plus, this kind of scheme flexibility totally unlocks veteran stars like Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey could play more free safety, a role the team “haven’t had yet” according to Carter. It takes a crowded secondary and turns it into a monster strength, all because one player is simply too good to sit.
As preseason action continues, Samuel’s incredible play is putting the front office and coaching staff on notice. They have to rethink this whole depth chart. This isn’t just about a good player, it’s about a player redefining what the Steelers’ defense can be this year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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