Steelers rallying around Taylor

Associated Press

Pittsburgh

Ike Taylor’s skin — the figurative kind — has grown thick over a decade developing a reputation as one of the NFL’s better cover guys.

The veteran Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback is relying on that mental toughness to get him through the most difficult stretch of his career.

Following a brutal night in which the most experienced member of Pittsburgh’s secondary was beaten relentlessly in a stunning 26-23 loss to Tennessee, Taylor understands teams no longer fear throwing his way.

“They’re going to try me,” Taylor said. “Why wouldn’t you? I’ve got 10 years of tape. I know going into the game that’s going to happen.”

Only it seems to be happening with more regularity for Taylor. Typically charged with covering an opponent’s No. 1 receiver, Taylor has found himself on the wrong end of pass completions in critical situations through the season’s first month for the Steelers (2-3), who play at Cincinnati (3-3) Sunday.

Even Taylor allows his performance isn’t quite up to the level. Then again, neither is the rest of the defense for a team that hasn’t gotten off to its usual fast start under coach Mike Tomlin.

Pittsburgh is fifth in the league in yards allowed and fifth against the pass. Good numbers, yes, but it’s the ones on the scoreboard at the end of games that are causing some early season angst.

The Steelers are allowing 23 points a game — more than a touchdown higher than the 14.2 they surrendered a year ago — and opponents have already thrown for nine scores, putting Pittsburgh on pace to give up the most passing touchdowns in team history.

Trouble for Steelers ex-doc

A former Steelers doctor who left the team after investigators questioned his bulk purchase of anabolic steroids has been indicted for illegally prescribing the muscle-building aids and other drugs.

Federal authorities don’t list the team or its players as having gotten the substances from Dr. Richard Rydze, who was charged in a 185-count indictment with conspiracy to illegally distribute steroids, human growth hormone and painkillers including oxycodone.

The 62-year-old physician also is charged with health care fraud.

in court on extortion charges

A man who claims his girlfriend had a “physical relationship” with retired Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward was in custody Friday, accused of trying to extort $15,000 by threatening to release evidence that Ward had paid for sex.

Joshua Van Auker, 26, of Pittsburgh, awaited arraignment on two felony counts of attempted extortion. He was arrested Thursday by detectives from the Allegheny County district attorney’s office after he allegedly met with Ward’s personal assistant, Raymond Burgess, who paid him the money in exchange for unspecified “materials” in an envelope that Van Auker said could prove his claims, according to a criminal complaint.

Detectives monitoring the exchange then arrested Van Auker but have not said what was in the envelope.