Browns rookie cornerback has rough start, finish

By TOM REED

Northeast Ohio Media Group

PITTSBURGH

Only one game into his regular-season career, Justin Gilbert is tiring of the words, “learning experience.”

In a subdued visitors locker room, following a 30-27 loss to the Steelers, the Browns rookie cornerback patiently answered questions. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had targeted the No. 8 overall draft pick early and late in a game where momentum swung wildly after halftime.

Someone asked the 22-year-old – who had a rough end to his preseason – if he considered Sunday’s performance another leaning experience.

“No,” he said.

No?

“No, I just gotta play ball,” Gilbert said. “I know they’re going to come after me so there’s nothing to learn from this game because I already knew what was going to happen. Just gotta make plays.”

The Steelers drove 33 yards with under a minute remaining to set up Shaun Suisham’s game-winning, 41-yard field goal as time expired. Roethlisberger hit second-year receiver Markus Wheaton twice on the drive with Gilbert in coverage.

The first play was an 11-yarder along the left sideline with the cornerback in man coverage. The second was a 20-yarder over the middle with the Browns in zone. Gilbert was tracking Wheaton but slipped on the play.

Roethlisberger audibled out of the original play to find Wheaton with five seconds left.

“[We were] letting the routes develop, but at the top of the route I kind of slipped,” Gilbert said.

It was a crushing conclusion for the Browns, who rallied from a 24-point halftime deficit. After an embarrassing first-half effort, one filled with missed tackles and opportunities, the defense limited the Steelers to six first downs and no points until the final drive.

“It was pretty quiet,” Gilbert said of the halftime locker room. “We had a handful of guys motivating everyone. You didn’t see guys hanging their heads. Everybody stayed positive. Most definitely you could feel the momentum change. I saw it in guys’ eyes.”

The Steelers won thanks in part another superb effort from Roethlisberger, who’s 18-1 lifetime against the Browns, and a strong showing from a young receiver.

Wheaton caught just six passes for 64 yards in his rookie season. He snared six for 97 yards on Sunday — mostly with Gilbert providing coverage — including a 40-yarder that led to the Steelers’ first touchdown.

Gilbert, who surrendered three touchdowns in the Browns’ final two exhibition games, recognizes the need to improve. ProFootballFocus.com ranked him 166th among 196 cornerbacks in preseason.

All Pro Joe Haden, who had his own problems with Steelers receiver Antonio Brown, said Gilbert’s struggles are part of the rookie experience for cornerbacks.

“They’re going to go after you,” Haden said when asked about advice he’d dispense. “Just keep his head, just keep playing. He has all the ability that he needs. Just play it like practice, be comfortable, poised and just make plays.”

Gilbert said his confidence has not been rattled after three straight trying games

The assignments don’t get any easier. Next week, the Browns host the prolific New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium.

“Yep,” Gilbert said. “It should be fun.”