Keenan Lewis

[phillyesq]

Re: Keenan Lewis

Another challenge on the horizon. I'm thinking that Gronk duty gets split between the nickel CB (either Gay or Lewis) and Troy when he is dropped in coverage.

The big question will be whether or not Ike can hang with the jitterbug.

I'd like to see Timmons thrown into that mix as well.

Welker will be a tough matchup for Ike, who has been covering more traditional outside receivers all year as opposed to slot guys.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: Keenan Lewis

Another challenge on the horizon. I'm thinking that Gronk duty gets split between the nickel CB (either Gay or Lewis) and Troy when he is dropped in coverage.

The big question will be whether or not Ike can hang with the jitterbug.

I'd like to see Timmons thrown into that mix as well.

Welker will be a tough matchup for Ike, who has been covering more traditional outside receivers all year as opposed to slot guys.

Timmons' role will depend as well on if JH is back by then and if he is playing inside or out. Perhaps they put Ike on Brown and use a combo of Gay plus help to deal with Welker.

If they finally try to pressure Brady and single Welker then I think that it would be Ike.

[fezziwig]

Re: Keenan Lewis

Post-Tennessee notes

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2011
by Dale Lolley

Keenan Lewis just keeps getting better the more he plays. Now, he'll get to continue to improve and the Steelers don't face New England for a few weeks, but he's trending in the right direction.

He and William Gay – who is also playing well – have turned Bryant McFadden into a high-priced special teams player.

[url="http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/"]http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/sidelines/[/url]

I didn't get to see the entire game but what I did see Lewis, has the physical talent to do his job but still needs some more playing experience. I hope he gathers it quickly because a Tom Brady, Arron Rodgers and SanDiegos QB will make him pay for his mistakes just like Hasselback did.
I still say the best way to beat Brady is to get in his face and smack him around a few or several times the only trouble is, our defense never seems to accomplish that and I doubt this upcoming meeting will be any different.
As much love I have for the Steelers, I don't see us beating the Cheats in the playoffs. They have Lebeaus number.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: Keenan Lewis

Lewis is also surprisingly fast. I remember one update from training camp that had him knocking away a pass intended for Wallace in which he was matching him stride for stride. It is about time that his improvement is taking shape.

[DukieBoy]

Re: Keenan Lewis

Ike blossomed in year three, I've heard.

Seems Lewis is blossoming in his 3rd year.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Keenan Lewis

Steelers Spotlight: Keenan Lewis

By Teresa Varley - Steelers.com
10/26/11



Catching up with third-year cornerback Keenan Lewis:

What do you think the difference is this year versus your first two seasons which is allowing you to see more playing time?
I think it’s maturity and learning how to be a professional. It’s that and gaining confidence from my coaches and my teammates that has helped me out.

Is that maturity seeing what this league is all about, that it’s more than what you expect?
It’s just becoming a professional. Once you learn how to do that you will be pretty good. I have learned from some great guys, the veteran leadership that we have on this team has helped me out.

How do you become a professional?
I just say make sure you do everything on time. Like coach says make no excuses. Just try to become better. Critique the bad things and that will help you out.

Coach Tomlin said you have a better understanding this year of situational football and how other teams might attack you. Do you agree with that?
Definitely. I have been around. This is my third year. I have watched guys Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark, William Gay, and Bryant McFadden. I watch how they watch film and how they watch things. I learn from those guys.

Did you approach things this year as if it’s time for you to step up?
I knew this was my time. It was going to be now or never. This league is about what have you done for me lately. I knew I had to come in this year and contribute.

Did you feel like you have proven yourself to your coaches and teammates?
Not to the point where I know I can. I know they think I have been doing better. But I want to be the best. I have a lot to work on.

You never want to see a teammate hurt, but you really stepped up and took advantage when Bryant McFadden was injured, and have worked your way into the third corner role. Was it important to not let that opportunity slip away as in this game, opportunities can be few and far between?
That is definitely the most important thing to do. That’s what keeps you out there and also gets you noticed by the coaches and the players. They say, wow, this guy can play. You don’t wish injury on anyone. But when your number is called you have to be ready to stand up.

What did you learn from you first two seasons?
How to be patient. It’s going to come. Don’t worry or get frustrated over things you can’t control. Just be patient and when your time comes, be ready for it.

What was the toughest thing those first two years?
For me not playing like I wanted to, coming from college when I played almost the second most games in Oregon State history. Just not playing as much as I wanted and not playing cornerback was frustrating for me because that’s what I do. That was the hardest thing for me.

Was it tough learning D!ck LeBeau’s defense?
It was hard for me adjusting because in college I just played man-to-man coverage. I really never had to learn zone defense. Coming in and learning was hard. I am still learning.

You are now married and have a daughter. You spoke previously about your maturity, did that help you mature?
When it’s one of those days I don’t feel like doing something, I think about my wife and my daughter and I know I have to account for them too. It helps me out big time.

[url="http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-Spotlight-Keenan-Lewis/a528cc3f-a322-4098-86c4-fb64556c13fe"]http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 64556c13fe[/url]