Unusual-Steelers to Throw to TE.

[Guttpuppy]

Riemersma may be part of revamped passing game

By Jerry DiPaola
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, June 11, 2003

The feeling is in the air at Steelers' minicamp, hanging around, teasing fans and players, probably building false hope.

It struck tight end Jay Riemersma in the face, leaving an impression that this season will be special for him and his tight end teammates.

Monkeys may fly first, but it's possible that the Steelers are ready to include the tight end in the passing game as more than just a decoy and glorified blocker.

"Just in the little time I've spent here and the type of reps I've taken and the talk amongst the players, it seems to be working toward that direction," Riemersma said Tuesday before the second day of minicamp drills at the team's UPMC Sports Performance Complex. "I'm catching my fair share of balls (in practice). The tight end group also is catching their fair share of balls. "

[Homeless]

I cant see it, I think blocking and decoy is the way it will stay. Its just to get other teams thinking they could use the TE differently.

[Nero]

sounds like wishful thinking to me as well

[Guttpuppy]

So what you guys are saying is that the Steelers signed a "pass-catching" TE to be a decoy...don't think so...Tommy knows how to use the field,Riemersma will get some catches whether it's a designed play to the TE or not.

[Homeless]

Both Breuner and Tuman have the ability to be pass catchers, I think they picked Riemersma because of Brueners injury and perhaps because he will be let go. So we needed depth. Im sure Riemersma will put up better numbers than tuman, I just dont think its gonna be a new strat or game plan, just a more capable guy in their for tommy to target if he has nowhere else to go.

Being bold here im thinking a couple receptions per game and a TD every 5 games with luck maybe more.