Dear Brandon,
I’m taking the unusual step of writing this to you because I feel like you deserve some answers and we the fans of the Steelers do too. I was really pleased when the Steelers traded a conditional draft pick to get you out of Philly back on the first of August because I thought (as did many others) that you would be a great asset to our struggling secondary.
I saw all of your preseason action for the Steelers and felt pretty good about what you could bring to the table (as did many others) whether it be as a slot cornerback or a guy on the outside. Honestly, we just weren’t used to seeing a guy with your cover skills so the excitement level was pretty high! You must be as shocked and utterly dumbfounded as we are as to why you aren’t playing.
We heard after the first game it was an injury but you told Mark Kaboly of the Trib you were good to go. The fact that you were not on the field against the Patriots was truly a stunner to all of us and it certainly appeared that way to you as well. You went on to tell Mr. Kaboly that you hadn’t spoken to the coaches about why you didn’t play any defensive snaps. You made it pretty clear however that if you didn’t find out soon you would get some answers from someone.
[Update: This is a tweet from Brandon’s wife in response to this letter and another tweet.]
@steelersscott @SteelDad sorry you are incorrect, Brandon is 1000% healthy. Steel Dad, nice letter ?
— Tess Rary Boykin (@tess_rary) September 30, 2015
Here we are headed into our week four match-up with Baltimore and I can only imagine your frustration. In three games, you’ve played just 12 snaps on defense for the Steelers. Do you think they are doing this to keep your snaps under 60%? Is it because you don’t fit the “tackle the catch” scheme currently favored by the team?
I (as do many others) think you’re the best cover guy on this roster yet you are forced to watch just like we are. I tweeted at you the other day asking for a follow so I could DM a question to you. I did this to give you a voice because I know you have to have a lot to say.
Then again I can understand if you are just ready to move on. The Steelers’ ship has sailed in your eyes and I can’t blame you one bit. In fact, I heard through the grapevine today that you are considering asking for your release. Again, don’t blame you at all.
Hopefully you’ll get the call a lot more often against the Ravens and my letter to you will be a moot point but you and I both know that isn’t likely. I (and many others) would love to hear your side of the story so hit me up.
I wish you the best.
Respectfully,
SteelDad
8 comments
This is like a tootsie pop, the world may never know.
Congrats Bob!! Comment of the week right there!! LoL
According to SteelDad’s twitter timeline, Brandon’s wife tweeted him and confirmed that Boykin is not injured and was not injured. If you ask me this is just typical Tomlin being stubborn and not wanting to utilize Boykin’s skill set as a cover corner, instead opting for the same old tackle the catch BS defense!
Look I get that the majority of fans are irate about Boykin not playing and Tomlin relying on the tackle the ball carrier but yelling and complaining about it will do nothing, believe me it does nothing. To utilize Boykin’s press cover ability you have to change the entire Defensive Backfield’s mentality. I understand you guys are beyond mad but complaining about this to no end will do no good. The only people that can change this style of play is Boykin, Lake, Butler and Tomlin. Those 4 people can make things happen not us. If that sounds like me saying you guys are idiots or saying that your opinion doesn’t matter that was not my intention nor will ever it be.
Okay a few things here, 1st- Brandon Boykin is a great player and may I take no respect from him but when this guy states “we are just not used to seeing guys with your cover skills..” is a major slap in the face to all other Steeler Corners and Safeties or any other cover guy that played for us including Rod Woodson. This fan is obviously using sweet talk to cause drama in the locker room. Everyone knows why Brandon is Not Playing and his condition is just a Good enough excuse right now. With a Cap Ceiling that the Steelers have been trying to keep as well as their picks (hence the CONDITIONAL pick), I think it’s actually how much the Steeler Staff believes in Brandon to be able to come out at the time they asked and play to that ability as well as waiting for Le’Veon Bell and Bryant to get off their suspensions. They know the 1st few weeks will be rocky but the middle to end of the season is what really counts. Fans only know what they WANT to know and it’s usually NOTHING about Football and how to run a complete organization. If this guy was smart he would know just because your Queen is your strongest piece doesn’t mean you play her carelessly. Especially with all the injuries during the first games Brandon and Cockrell are both being used wisely.. Let’s get our Bench to know what they are doing before we use the guys who already know. #Checkmoves
Here’s the thing James…. When is the last time Rod Woodson played for the Steelers? About 20 years roughly? When I say “we aren’t used to seeing guys with his cover skills” I’m referring to the last several years. While I realize any dope can run a Steelers site I would hope folks would trust my knowledge a little more than that. You claim you know why Boykin isn’t playing? Please fill us in.
I’m 100 percent with this guy… We will see plenty of Boykin, when its time… Its a very very long season. Our D has improved by leaps and bounds. I don’t mean to be brash but if u know what ur talking about then u would realize this D is very young and being rebuilt. Aside from some blown coverages I am very pleased with the way its coming along. I think our corners are playing decent. Im not a fan of Mitchell but he seems to be healthy and is playing pretty good football. I only hope Boykin is patient and doesn’t take letters like these too seriously becuz A) he could have a great future in The Black & Gold B) he isn’t the best CB I have seen in Pittsburgh and I hope he doesn’t put himself above guys like Ike…becuz he kinda hasn’t proved anything in this league other than he thinks he is a shutdown CB(even tho he’s played in the slot) and deserves shutdown CB money. Its well documented that he and Chip were at odds in Philly becuz he felt he should be playing outside. Now I don’t write letters to players and or coaches so I may be missing something, but I don’t think it is coincidence that he has yet to play on the outside in either Philly or Pittsburgh. Unless SteelDad feels he knows something that Coach B doesn’t, I am gna go ahead and say there is prob a good reason he hasn’t played much. And that’s not taking anything away from Boykin, he just got here and is learning a very complex Defense that some veterans still haven’t completely grasped. With all that said I need to repeat myself, I am darn proud of the last couple games our D has played. From Heyward to Blake to even Mitchell. There is a ton of talent there and if we stay healthy And can get Ben back, I believe we make a run this season… Keep up the good work D!! Keep grinding and stay humble, Boykin, you’ll get ur chance… Like I said, it’s a long long season and we are going to need him when it matters!!! And to close, I am glad I can finally say this but I am thankful our Defense is the least of my worries tonight as the Mike Vick experience is about to become very real hahaha. Wow, I can’t believe we are about to watch Vick lead our team…. I’m a good American, I refuse to fight it, I hafto support him and hope he can manage a football game and let the big dawgs do their thing. Let’s Go Steelers!!!! Here We Go!!!!!
Thanks for commenting Goddy. Based on what I’ve been told following my article the reason the Steelers aren’t playing him is because they feel he doesn’t tackle well in the open field. That’s their choice and it fits their ‘tackle the catch’ scheme. I guess I have to ask then, “Why trade for him?” There was plenty of tape on him to know whether he could tackle or not. I’m not suggesting he’s Revis or anything but my eyes tell me he’s the best man cover guy we have. If the Steelers don’t want to use him then release him or trade him.
And yes, it’s difficult rooting for Mike Vick but he’s the QB and our team is bigger and more important than him.