Tight Ends

by 36chambers on Nov 18, 2008 11:00 PM EST

in 8 games at the #1 TE, Miller had roughly 3 catches per game and 240 yds on the season, or 30 yards a game. At 2 games as the #1 TE, Spaeth has 6 catches per game and has roughly 120 yds/50 yards per game (as a starter). It's obvious that Ben has been looking to the TE position more as part of the new-ish "shorter throws/spreading-the-ball-around" offense we have now.

The question is...

How big is Miller's role going to be when he returns? How is that going to open things up for the rest of our offense? I think Spaeth having twice Miller's productivity is more an issue with Arians and Ben than Miller as a player. Miller's really one of the best TEs in the league and I've been pissed at how underutilized he's been. Are we going to see a few 100yd+ games out of Miller in the coming weeks? Thoughts?

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God, I hope so.

I agree. Miller’s very good when he is utilized in the passing game. He has big play ability. For instance, look at the big catch he had on the first drive of the Indy playoff game, and the long TD against the Dolphins 2 years ago. He’s got solid hands and he can run after the catch, so why isn’t he getting the ball?

WE DEY!!!!!

by jr3131 on Nov 18, 2008 11:42 PM EST reply actions

A lot of it depend on what kinds of defenses we play. The Chargers and Colts sat back in zone and gave us a lot underneath, and we took advantage of that. The Giants and Eagles played man to man and blitzed. Arians had Miller stay in and block, which was probably a mistake, given that he’s not a great blocker and that no one on either of those defenses could cover him. The Redskins didn’t blitz as much, but played man-to-man defense, and Spaeth didn’t do much of anything.

Miller might have a slightly larger role when he comes back, especially against zone teams where he can run up the seams. I doubt he’ll be much help against the Titans, who play tight man coverage and will probably blitz every down until we beat them.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Nov 19, 2008 9:09 AM EST reply actions

Since we’re talking about tight ends, anyone know what is up with Miller? He isn’t listed on injury reports and as far as I can tell he practiced on Tuesday. Spaeth is getting over a wrist injury and should be able to play, but I wonder if we’ll have HEATH.

by steelguy99 on Nov 19, 2008 12:53 PM EST reply actions

He’s projected to play, according to ESPN and the PPG.

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.

by BostonWahoo on Nov 19, 2008 1:12 PM EST up reply actions

What’s up with the good news in injury land?

Also, McFadden has been practicing but they are going to give him the extra 10 days rest. (smart move)

by steelguy99 on Nov 19, 2008 2:21 PM EST up reply actions

SHHH

dont jinx it! Ive been pounding any nearby wood all week.

Anyway, I love Heath (aka Big White) and I think hes a star player that just doesnt get near enough attention. Last year and especially in 05 we went to him early and often and he set the tone. His YAC was pretty good too due to him running people over. We have played some fast defenses though so its hard to get it to him.

Spaeth has filled in REALLY well. I would love to see him do some more run blocking options because he has shown he can help spring FWP any moment.

by Mechem on Nov 19, 2008 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

Against Indy I thought spaeth did a good job getting open and holding onto the ball. He didn’t get much after the catch, but in the game against SD it seemed like he was always getting decent YAC. We’ll see if Arians mental midgetry can have Spaeth/Miller doing anything but blocking.

This game shouldn’t even be close. The bengals team is a friggin hospital – http://www.cincyjungle.com/2008/11/19/665253/practice-report-bengals-st

by steelguy99 on Nov 19, 2008 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

yeah I heard one of their linebackers has a broken jaw???

by 36chambers on Nov 19, 2008 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe we should cry them a River?

by steelguy99 on Nov 19, 2008 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

Ba dum ba

Nice. No Levi Jones is a nice help though. You know James and LaMarr are just licking their chops.

This could be the week Harrison hits the Steelers sack record folks.

by Mechem on Nov 19, 2008 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

I think you meant...

http://www.instantrimshot.com/

Guns don't kill people. Lamar Woodley kills people.

by BostonWahoo on Nov 19, 2008 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

I

just hope he isn’t constantly held, like in every other game.

by steelerark on Nov 20, 2008 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

Tight Ends

I think you will see Heath Miller put up some numbers similar to what Matt Spaeth has put up recently. As you point out, the Steelers have made some offensive adjustments since Heath went down that have opened up the tight end receiving game. Coach Tomlin mentioned it at a recent press conference. He cited the offensive change while downplaying any notion that Matt Spaeth was a Tony Gonzales in the rough.

None of this is intended to denigrate Matt’s performance; he clearly made several critical catches/first downs against the Chargers and is definitely a bookend to Heath.

by tenthmtnman on Nov 20, 2008 8:41 AM EST reply actions