Value of Ward?

[thebluemeanies]

Maddox was a mediocre QB at best. In the end, I personally think Hines numbers will at least equal last season's and may improve with Big Ben at the helm. Yeah Ben goes to Plax more, but Hines will get his share too. And if the coaching staff lets Ben air it our more, this could be a dominant passing attack. Good offensive line, three talented receivers, and an athletic QB who has looked great so far. Pittsburgh could be unstoppable...

[awwchrist]

Pitt could be very good....

next year.

He's still a rookie. He'll make mistakes.

And Ward's performace this year has been anything but "lackluster".

[Blitzburgh2001]

This mini-slump is not going to last at all.

If you are iin a league that counts receptions as points, then you are still in great shape.

Blame the Burress blowup on the Cleveland coaching staff. Ward's numbers are so off the charts because every team is forced to doubel Burress every play to prevent games like the one in week 5.

This double coverage allows Ward to roam the field against the other teams 2nd worst corner. It is a matter of pick your poison really, but most teams prefer a slow death by Ward as opposed to Burress killing them with one play.

Cleveland thought they could get away with leaving Burress in single coverage because his numbers were down and they paid dearly. Look for future steeler opponents to be much more savvy of BUrress's home run capability. This will put Ward back on his amazing pace.

The only WRs I'd take over Ward in no particular order.
Moss
TO
Andre Johnson


(maybe) Javon Walker

Ward is a stud and is to be started every week.

[ForeverBlue]

In another thread someone mentioned that Ward has caught 34 of 36 balls thrown in his direction. That is insane. He'll get his looks, yards catches and TDs, no doubt.

Also in a preseason thread someone stated that it wouldn't be suprising to see the Steelers have one of the best offenses this year. Not many people agreed with him then.

[Pete123444]

In another thread someone mentioned that Ward has caught 34 of 36 balls thrown in his direction. That is insane. He'll get his looks, yards catches and TDs, no doubt.

Also in a preseason thread someone stated that it wouldn't be suprising to see the Steelers have one of the best offenses this year. Not many people agreed with him then.

it's actually 34 of 38. but no other wr is close to matching that #. he still stands at 4 in reception despite the limited looks from Roethlisberger. he'll bounce back.

[wizbang]

In the long run a scattering of big games for Burress could be good for Ward as it assures that the double teams stay with Plax and opens up the underneath pass for Hines. Hines was an absolute stud durring Plax's one big year so there's plenty to go around. My only concern is that the running game is doing well and that may take away from the passing game in general. We'll see.

Hard to disagree with Plindsey though. He's playing like the third or fourth best overall WR so far this year so you have to be happy there.