Enough Depression!
WRs Reason for Optimism
By the infamous "cman" of Newsgroup fame
The following article was snatched from the Steelers Newsgroup. Thanks a million, cman!
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This time of year always seems to be bad news for Pittsburgh, but even with
the news of Scott, Modrak and Rumors of Cowher leaving (if true, that
one bothers me more than anything), there are several things to feel
pumped about at this time: our WRs.
A more potent passing game? What? Did I just write that? Yes,
and here's why. Even with Yancey Thigpen gone, I like the chances of a formidable
WR corp. There are so many candidates of WR having a break out
year, it tickles me so. Here's why PGH will not experience any YT post
depression:
a.) New offensive coordinator. I think he is just what the Doc ordered and will develop
KS. This guy likes to tinker with more TE and RB stuff too. I don't
think enemy defenses will have a clue to tendencies as much as last year.
b.) Where do I start? CJ proved in '96 he could make the big play
down field. How many acrobatic catches did he make where he just
plain went up and took the ball? Even if he isn't as consistent as YT
on every down plays, he still gives us a great deep threat.
b.) Is it just me, or is Hawkins underrated and unappreciated? Go back
and look at the first NE game or 2nd Jax game; he made some clutch grabs
that were very tight. He is great at nabbing 3rd down balls, and he also
is underrated at run after the catch. Remember, it was his screen and subsequent scamper
that capped off the NE win. Hawkins is solid and valuable.
c.) Blackwell - he already showed flashes last year that contrary to
his 40 time, he has the speed and quickness to make a return man
and a dangerous WR. Earth to everyone: He has also added over
10 pounds of muscle to give him some more strength. TSNs names
him the #1 WR for a breakout year. He could be the guy, if PGH
doesn't have too many quality WRs to fight the ball over. Between
CJ, Hawkins and him, I already feel secure about the WR corp. But
it gets even more intriguing after that.
d.) Adams - really did showcase some potent talent in college, and I
think he has grown up (which was PGH got him so late). He was
devastated about his ACL, and here is another thing: Have you ever heard
of a player tearing his ACL and not knowing it and continuing to play
on it? I haven't, but that's what he did. If he is that driven to
succeed then he will shine at some point. I hope the ACL didn't do too much
long term damage.
e.) Hines - From what I've heard, he is just a player. He might have
trouble getting anything his way with all the quality on the roster but
then again he might be too productive to have on the bench. He will
be exciting to see develop.
f.) Bailey - he was the best player in pre season I saw. He was
incredible, and the coaches all said he was the most improved player they had
ever seen from one season to the next (actually, it was like 3). Did
you see the play where he broke like 6 tackles? I hope his ACL injury
isn't too bad as well.
g.) (Yea, that's right, we are at G!) Marsh, Coleman, Arnold and Holiday
are all gravy. I don't see PGH needing them, but 4 more bodies to choose from ain't
bad.
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The infamous "cman" of Newsgroup fame
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