Steelers' Teryl Austin Detailed Why Darius Slay Had To Be Released

The Pittsburgh Steelers are attempting to find a way forward after losing to the Buffalo Bills 26-7 in a game that can only be described as a complete collapse. This was the game that proved the Steelers are exactly what most in the media thought they were up to this point in the season. The team started 4-1, and now sits at 6-6 with a critical matchup against the Baltimore Ravens coming up this Sunday that will determine which team takes a full game lead in the AFC North. Both teams currently sit at 6-6 headed into their first meeting.

The team has gone through some roster turnover recently, with the team recently releasing cornerback Darius Slay after the loss to the Bills. Slay had started every game for the team except one to this point in the season, but was ultimately made a healthy scratch before the Bills game and he and the team came to an agreement on his release. This made people ask pertinent questions, particularly, on why the Steelers even gave Slay the one-year deal they did if they had any kind of idea what kind of play they were getting?

These questions and more were asked of Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin when he gave an address to the media earlier. Austin was asked about a wide variety of topics, one of which included the reasoning on why Slay did not work out in Pittsburgh. Austin's answer was short and to the point.

"Sometimes the fit isn't right and so it's in the best interest of both parties to probably move on," Austin said. "I think that's where we got and I wish him nothing but the best because I think he's a class individual, class guy, but just didn't work."

Austin's comments about Slay are true from a scheming perspective, but it also raises another critical question. If Slay was never going to fit into the scheme in the way Austin wanted, then why did the Steelers sign Slay in the first place? These are all questions that may never have a true answer as Slay's future in the NFL looks uncertain. Slay's lack of production on the field also led to the Steelers getting a good look at cornerback James Pierre and recent acquisition, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to which the team likes what they see so far.

It has been detailed that the Steelers didn't intentionally make Slay a healthy scratch against the Bills due to poor performance, but more about getting a better look at Samuel Jr., which ended up being a good decision. Samuel Jr. had a good game against the Bills for his first game back in years.

Even though the Steelers gave up 372 total yards to the Bills, the team has looked at the bright spots in the awful performance and are looking to the current matchup against the Ravens to get back on the right track. Either way, Austin's comments about Slay not being the best fit for the cornerback room could end up coming back to haunt them if a few more things go wrong.

Steelers Need To Figure Out Defensive Scheming Against The Ravens

The Steelers need to figure out a different plan on defense as a whole, not just at the cornerback position, for the upcoming game against the Ravens. The team will have an entirely new set of issues to deal with, and ensuring Pierre and Samuel Jr. fit into a scheme that fits their strengths will be a good step in the right direction to have a better shot at victory this week.

Even without Slay in the backfield, Austin will hopefully be able to have some stability in the cornerback room and use the stability to make a better game plan against the Ravens.

What did you think about Austin's comments on Slay? Let us know in the comments below.

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