With McFadden slowed by injury, why not let Keenan Lewis start?

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 09-17-2011, 12:39 AM

In this article from the Trib, it talks about how BMac's nagging hamstring has limited him this week and how he could be scratched in favor of either Lewis or Gay.

It's been a frustrating season for Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden, who limped through the preseason before working his way into the lineup for last Sunday's season-opener at Baltimore.

Still, McFadden isn't at full strength. He practiced only sparingly Friday in preparation for Sunday's home-opener against Seattle at Heinz Field.

McFadden is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury and saw limited duty yesterday. There's a chance the seven-year veteran could be scratched from the lineup in favor of backups Keenan Lewis or William Gay.

"I was just practicing, so I don't know whether I was on the first or second team," said Lewis, in his third season. "I'll be ready because I've been preparing all week."

From the Trib

So at this point I say, why not let Keenan Lewis get the shot to start at Cornerback opposite Ike Taylor? Or at the very least why not let him split time with Will Gay? Perhaps the 2 can alternate between CB and NB. Honestly, it just makes sense and the Steelers coaches need to see that.

They are both healthy, as opposed to BMac who is not and may not be all year with that hamstring. Remember he had problems with it last season as well. It would appear that they certainly could do no worse than what McFadden did last week, or last season for that matter. Plus both Gay and Lewis both got a lot of work in preseason and camp.

Specifically for Lewis, like many of us have been saying on here, give these young guys a shot. You might be surprised. Atleast you'll know either way if he can handle it.

**LatrobePA** · 09-17-2011, 01:16 AM

Shouldn't of brought Mac back! IMO he's a dud!!

**connecticutsteel** · 09-17-2011, 02:05 AM

I say let Keenan play put gay at NB and let C Brown get some reps at nickle

**Nolrog** · 09-17-2011, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by BlitzburghRockCity

So at this point I say, why not let Keenan Lewis get the shot to start at Cornerback opposite Ike Taylor? Or at the very least why not let him split time with Will Gay? Perhaps the 2 can alternate between CB and NB. Honestly, it just makes sense and the Steelers coaches need to see that.

Keenan Lewis is a young guy, and thus must avoid the field at all costs, at least in the philosophy of Tomlin.

**Raleigh Steel** · 09-17-2011, 08:21 AM

if mcfadden was 100% he still isn't better than lewis...he just has more game experience.

the fact that mcfadden isn't 100% should be a no-brainer....SHOULD being the most important word in that statement.

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 09-17-2011, 09:46 AM

Curtis Brown was limited this week today with injury. I don't think I'd be ready to put him in just yet considering how little training camp practice he got and he missed 2 preseason games. I would definitely say though at this point, Lewis has been here long enough and showed enough that he deserves a shot at more playing time.

If for no other reason than if you keep BMac starting and playing the whole game right now, that hamstring is going to be a problem all season. The only treatment for those types of injuries is rest and rehab. Give him a week or 2 off, see how he responds. Meanwhile you get a real good look at Lewis too.

**coldrolled** · 09-17-2011, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Nolrog

Keenan Lewis is a young guy, and thus must avoid the field at all costs, at least in the philosophy of Tomlin.

at this rate of our young prospects developing. how about trade all our picks 2-7 for another first. then just have two firsts.

we dont need the other picks anyway.