Steelers CB Brandon Boykin thinks he could've been helping all along

Steelers cornerback Brandon Boykin believes he could've had a positive impact in the team's struggling secondary if given the chance. Now he may get a chance to prove it.

Head coach Mike Tomlin indicated earlier in the week that the coaching staff would take a fresh look at Boykin in the wake of Seattle's five passing touchdowns last Sunday. Boykin's lack of of playing time has been a mystery all season, considering the inconsistent play of Antwon Blake, among others. Boykin, acquired from Philadelphia in August where he never missed a game in three seasons, has seen just 22 defensive snaps all season.

“The situation I’ve been in, it’s tough because you have to prepare every single week because you can be in at any time,” Boykin said via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “That’s been hard for me, making that change or that transition, knowing that you have to stay ready because you can play. I have to attack it the same way. I never lost any confidence in myself the entire season. Once I get out there it will be exciting for me.”

Boykin has maintained a positive attitude all season, but nodded in the affirmative when asked Wednesday if he could've been contributing, according to PennLive's Jacob Klinger. Boykin is due to be an unrestricted free agent after the season, but also added that he'd like to remain in Pittsburgh.