More chances, more catches for Jerricho Cotchery

By Ray Fittipaldo / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

With a receiving corps that was getting younger in 2011, the Steelers signed veteran Jerricho Cotchery to a free-agent contract. Cotchery joked that he was an "insurance policy" in case the likes of Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown
and Emmanuel Sanders did not develop.

All three developed, and the Steelers did not need to cash in that insurance policy. But, after Wallace signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins over the offseason, the Steelers are reaping dividends from their investment in Cotchery.

Elevated to a more regular role in the offense as the No. 3 receiver behind starters Brown and Sanders, Cotchery has been making the most of his opportunities. He is coming off one of the best games of his career against the Minnesota Vikings, He reeled in five receptions for 103 yards in the 34-27 loss.

It was Cotchery's first 100-yard receiving game in more than four years and the eighth of his 10-year career. He has had one 1,000-yard season in his career but is only a few yards off that pace this season.

"I think he's got his mind right," said Brown, the team's leading receiver. "He came to camp in great condition and prepared his body to play more plays, and it's been beneficial for him.

"He's always been a guy who's been capable, a real professional. You can see he's taking advantage of his opportunities right now."

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