PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He worked from being an undrafted free agent to starting six games and playing in all 17 for the Steelers as a rookie, now it appears Beanie Bishop could be on the bubble in his second season with roster cuts coming next week.
Bishop has played 45 snaps this preseason and made six tackles so far. He said he needs to be a little more aggressive in the screen game, but is able to bring guys to the ground, which he believes gives him an edge. Last year, Bishop made some splash plays, intercepting Aaron Rodgers twice, but the competition is different.
Unlike last year going up against Cam Sutton, who was suspended the first half of the season, Bishop has Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols playing the slot. Bishop even said he’s not a big threat to those guys as far as playing time. Now he’s battling to make the roster and Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin needs to see more.
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“He’s really got to fight and work to make some splash to put himself in the picture,” Austin said. “When you are not a starter, the biggest thing that has to happen for you, every one of these preseason games are big.”
“You have an opportunity to distance yourself from some other people in game play. We see in practice every day. We know what you do in practice. How do you distance yourself in a game situation? Do you really show up on game day?”
“He’s got one left to show us some good stuff. I’m sure he will. He’ll give it his all.”
“It’s different, I’m going in knowing more than I knew last year,” Bishop said. “I kind of have the trust of the coaches as far as knowing the plays, being in the right position. It’s still a battle every year to compete until I get to that second contract and start making the big money.”
He said he’s been asking a lot of questions of the veterans in the defensive backs room. He wants to know how they get their eyes right and what they look for in film study to get to know other receivers and their tendencies
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“Come in and work every day and still prove myself because obviously you have to earn the right to be on the team,” Bishop said. “I can never be satisfied. I always remember that I wasn’t drafted. It’s just one of those things I was always overlooked. I never forget that.”
Austin said Bishop has been working his tail off, but is that enough to make it this year?