In this February 6, 2011, picture, Green Bay Packers’ Jordy Nelson (left) catches a touchdown pass as Pittsburgh Steelers’ William Gay defends during Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas. (Dallas Morning News/MCT)


By Ralph N. Paulk/The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (TNS)


In a game that could shape their playoff future, the Steelers find themselves in a position of having starting cornerbacks William Gay and Antwon Blake lining up for fewer snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday.
Coach Mike Tomlin had hoped to motivate an inconsistent secondary by rotating the cornerbacks. It’s a strategy that worked in a 45-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
However, the Colts’ once-explosive passing game isn’t comparable to the Bengals. Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton has examined the numbers, and he’s aware that Gay and Blake have been on the field for nearly 95 percent of the Steelers’ defensive snaps.
Gay is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and if his consecutive games played streak ends at 140, the Steelers are likely to start Ross Cockrell and Blake at the corners. Brandon Boykin, who had played only 22 snaps prior to Sunday’s game, will play mostly in the slot.
Of course, it will be interesting to see how Dalton attacks the Steelers’ secondary if Boykin and Cockrell are on the field for the majority of the snaps. They are likely to get more playing time because of Gay’s concussion and Blake’s inconsistent tackling.
“When we put a helmet on, we can be the cause of winning a game,” Gay said. “I’m never surprised by anybody coming on the field to make a play. I don’t get involved with names and numbers. It’s all about the scheme.”
Gay, who said he expects to play Sunday, isn’t concerned about the Bengals taking advantage of the late-season personnel changes.
“It doesn’t affect the defense because everyone is capable of playing winning football,” said Gay, who missed Wednesday’s practice as he undergoes concussion tests. “Coach Tomlin preaches that, so anyone with a helmet on could be the reason why we win a football game.”
Yet, this is a game Gay is itching to play.
“It’s good,” Gay said, referring to his concussion tests. “I’m glad the league has that (concussion protocol) in place. It helps us against ourselves.
“I’m studying as if I’ll play. It’s up to the doctors and coaches, but I could have practiced (Wednesday).”
Gay knows there is much at stake in Sunday’s rematch, including the Steelers (7-5) hopes of remaining playoff contenders. Also, the Bengals (10-2) can dethrone the Steelers as AFC North champions. And they can earn a regular-season sweep of their division rival for the first time since 2009.
At stake, too, is Gay’s streak of 140 consecutive games played, the most by active cornerbacks.
“I don’t really care about it,” Gay said. “What are they going to say about me when I’m done with football? Are they going to talk about a streak or a championship? I’m not going to walk around, and say, ‘I’m the guy who played all those games in a row.’ It’s good conversation, but it’s not important. I’ve been blessed and lucky to stay on the field -- that’s all it is.”