Aug 3, 2017 5 min read

LATROBE – While the Artie Burns vs. Antonio Brown matchup has raged throughout this offseason and into training camp, Ross Cockrell goes quietly about his business.

After struggling against Brown as a rookie cornerback last season, Burns has gotten better and is at least making some plays against one of the top receivers in the NFL.

Cockrell, meanwhile, wouldn’t mind a few cracks at Brown.

As the Steelers closed out their first week of training camp at Saint Vincent College, Cockrell said he’s done a little bit of lobbying to that point.

“I want to go against Antonio Brown just as badly as Artie Burns does,” Cockrell said. “Coach made his decision. I’m working on coach to change that decision a little bit.”

Until that time comes, he’ll have to settle for doing the job against some big-time receivers on his own.

Early last season, before Burns, the team’s top draft pick, broke into the starting lineup, Cockrell drew the duties against the opponent’s top receiver. When the Steelers faced the New York Jets, he primarily stuck with Brandon Marshall. The same thing happened when the Steelers played Cincinnati and A.J. Green.

Green managed just two catches for 38 yards on eight targets, working primarily against Cockrell, while Marshall had eight receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. But it took 15 passes thrown his way to get to that total.

“When you’re matched up against those guys, the ball is going to be coming every single play,” said Cockrell. “It makes you dial in on your play and focus throughout a 60-minute game.”

Which is what Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is trying to accomplish by having Burns follow Brown around during practice. That matchup began last year in training camp but had to be pushed aside when Burns struggled through some injuries in the preseason.

But the Steelers brought it back during their offseason workouts.

“I got better. I got smarter. I got stronger,” said Burns. “I’m just trying to get better all the way around and it’s helped me compete with him even better.”

While the offense misses having Martavis Bryant, Cockrell might miss having the 6-4, 220-pound receiver to work against every day more than anyone.

Bryant has been forced to sit out practices since training camp began while he awaits word from the NFL whether he has met its criteria for a full reinstatement from his year-long suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.

With Bryant sidelined, Cockrell has put in a lot of work against the Steelers receivers not named Antonio Brown. But he can’t wait until Bryant is back.

“I want to get work too, whether it’s Martavis, whether it’s Antonio Brown. Artie and I share the same goal. We both want to be No. 1 corners,” Cockrell said. “I think that’s good for the team.”

The Steelers ranked 16th in the NFL in pass defense last season, allowing 243 yards per game. It was a big improvement from their ranking of 30th in 2015.

But it was that pass defense that let them down in the AFC Championship loss to New England. Tom Brady picked the Steelers secondary apart, throwing for 384 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-17 win.

Burns and Cockrell have worked hard this offseason to improve their physical play at the line of scrimmage. That has been apparent in this camp.

“Steeler tradition is playing physical, playing hard and fast,” Burns said. “We just want to continue that tradition, there’s no real emphasis on it.”

When you’re working against Brown, however, you have to be physical or face the prospect of being made to look bad.

Despite being 5-10 and 190 pounds, Brown has great balance and strength, something that helps him play bigger than his size.

“He’s one of the best in the league. When you have a guy like that who works hard, he’s strong, he’s quick, runs precise routes, it just takes your game to another level,” said Cockrell. “You can cover anybody in the league.”

If you get that chance.

The Steelers got a scare Thursday when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger turned his right ankle during a drill. Roethlisberger appeared to have a player roll up on him in the unpadded practice. He limped off the field and did not return. Head coach Mike Tomlin did not seem concerned with the injury. … Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva also went down briefly early in practice but returned. … Inside linebacker Ryan Shazier returned after sitting out Wednesday but left again with a hamstring injury. … Safety Mike Mitchell, running back James Conner and quarterback Landry Jones remained among those sitting out. … The Steelers will hold their annual night practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. today. Players will be available to sign autographs before practice, which will conclude with a fireworks display.