Heath Miller Finally Being Consistently Involved In Steelers Offensive Attack
Greetings Steeler Nation. Always more enjoyable to get back to work on a Monday following a Steelers victory. A quick post here about how tight end Heath Miller is being much more heavily involved in Bruce Arians' and Ben Roethlisberger's passing attack so far in 2009 than he has been in the first four years of his career. Here are Miller's reception totals from the previous four seasons.
| Year | Receptions |
| 2005 | 39 |
| 2006 | 34 |
| 2007 | 47 |
| 2008 | 48 |
Here are the number of 5+ catch games Miller had in the first four years of his career.
| Year | # Games |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 3 |
Finally, here are Miller's reception totals through the first four weeks of the 2009 season.
| Week | Receptions |
| 1 | 8 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 4 | 8 |
| TOTAL | 24 |
As we can see, Miller's already surpassed or equaled the number of games he had at least five catches in during the first four years of his career. And we're only through Week 4. Can you say Pro Bowl? If this keeps up, his first career trip to Honolulu is certainly on the horizon. This is a great development for a number of reasons. For starters, Heath is as sure-handed as they come. If a ball is in his vicinity, he's going to catch it. He's also not going to blow an assignment with his route running and cost the team a turnover potentially. Never has, likely never will. Through 3 weeks, Heath also had a catch rate of 89%. That's tops in the leagues through three weeks, and I'd imagine that that number is only going to increase after last night's performance.
Last year, Miller had a catch rate was 73%. That was still one of the top numbers in the league though, he just got his number called far fewer than most of his counterparts around the league. And in 2007, his catch rate was 77%, also a top-five number for those tight ends with at least 50 passes thrown their way.
It's pretty simple for Big Ben, Heath Miller and the Steelers offense - when you throw the ball his way, good things happen. I, for one, I am ecstatic to see just how frequently big #83 is seeing the ball in his hands.
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I had predicted the depth at WR would hurt his involvement this year, but I’m happy to see BA getting Miller more focus.
I think a lot of time Miller is an early read for Ben, but they are also working in a lot of screens and slips for Miller. He kills on those plays, because he is such a good blocker.
by Phantaskippy on Oct 5, 2009 6:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, Miller is great and we can't use him too much.
Heath does everything that a great TE needs to do.
by Billy52 on Oct 5, 2009 6:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been saying it for 3 years now: on third down, find 86 or 83…one will be open, and will make the catch.
breathe in deep feel your heart beat, just to know that life's worth livin'. feel your feet on the earth, better love it while it's still here spinnin'.
by NoCal-SteelCity on Oct 5, 2009 6:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heath is one of my faves he has been consistant since he has been there and I was thrilled when they exteneded his contract. Ben and Heath will be together for a long time…I think he is underrated and I hope he gets a Pro Bowl nod . he deserves it.
by Jadygirl7 on Oct 5, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if you need 11 ...
… they’ll get you 12 or more
by 86HOF on Oct 6, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember
when they drafted him, I was so pissed that they drafted a TE in the first, simply because ever since Green left, it seemed Cowher didn’t want to use one. How glad I am that I was wrong, Heath is the man.
by steelerark on Oct 5, 2009 6:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I remember when we drafted him too...
One of closest friends (who happens to be an Eagle fan and a NCAA fanatic) told me when we drafted Heath that we got a GREAT TE for the next decade for Ben to play with. I had never heard of Heath because I don’t follow college ball that close. I trust my friend on all draft decisions because he follows college ball like black guys follow Kardashians. And because he’s an Eagle fan, I know when we have a good pick because he’ll always be upset about it. He told me I wouldn’t miss Randle El after we drafted Tone and I haven’t. He told me to be patient with Mendy and you saw what happened last night. And he told me the day we drafted Heath that we had a franchise TE for the next decade. He hasn’t been wrong yet.
by Mr 412 on Oct 5, 2009 6:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
What does your friendly draft wizard
Say about Sweed? Wallace? Ramon Foster?
by steelerstyle on Oct 5, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweed has baffled everybody...
He said ‘well, looks like you got another Plaxico’ when we got Sweed. Take that how you wanna take it. I took it to mean Plax-like production on the field. He doesn’t understand why he can’t seem to catch wide open TD passes but he doesn’t seem too broken up about it.
He said Wallace was superfast and would immediately play the deep ball role Nate played. But he quickly reminded me that Willie Reid was superfast out of college too.
(Keep in mind, this is a Eagle fan we’re talking bout!)
I didn’t ask him about Foster though. He’s not Mel Kiper or anything.
by Mr 412 on Oct 7, 2009 1:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
What did he say about Timmons?
He seems to be coming along but still learning.
Erik
by ekl on Oct 5, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a friend who went to UVA
He converted me to the Heath bandwagon pre-draft, and I’ve never regretted it.
by Desroko on Oct 5, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It helps his stats when the Steelers are consistently throwing the ball over 30 times a game too.
by worldtrip on Oct 5, 2009 6:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Been saying..
For years that Miller is one of the premiere TE in the league. Only good things happen when he gets the ball, and getting to yell HEEEATTHH at the Cardinals pre-season game was just awesome. I read somewhere he loves getting the ball at home just to hear the crowd do the chant.
The only problem I see with him, is he does not break tackles well for being so big. He’s normally down on first contact.
by svenhoek on Oct 5, 2009 6:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The only problem I see with him, is he does not break tackles well for being so big. He’s normally down on first contact.
This isn’t even remotely true.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 5, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have never been to Heinz Field. So, when initially on TV it seemed like people were booing Heath whenever he made a catch. I used to be like….WTF!
Then someone told me that they shout HEEEEEAATTHHHHH…..
by Han on Oct 6, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i
noticed that a lot last nite, it seemed like he was down on first contact every single play.
by steelerark on Oct 5, 2009 6:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not surprising given that the “contact” was three guys tackling him.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 5, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
SD did make some nice tackles on him. Normally he does not go down on first guy…
You must be thinking of Spaeth…
by SteelerMike on Oct 6, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heath was typically held in place by one guy, and then tackled by other guys.
Heath does not “break” tackles, he never has. He does usually get a few yards because he has some steam and always falls forward. This game he caught a lot of passes shorter than normal and was being used more as a dump-off (which is great). In the play-by-play breakdown, there are a few of his catches that clearly show multiple tacklers.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 6, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you have to take into account how often Heath is catching the ball in the middle of the field and at the end of the play. He gets the ball in traffic and he rarely gets the toss while in stride. He’s also frequently hit by linebackers and safeties, not the smaller defensive backs.
As mentioned in other posts, Heath is really good at taking a few steps while the tackler is hanging onto him. Then he falls forward. He’ll add as many as 7-8 yards after contact just because he’s so tall.
by Varmint on Oct 6, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he didnt have many chances yesterday
For yards after ccatch, but part of that is because he’s getting a lot more short passes where he hasnt had a chance to build up a head of steam. When he catches the ball in the seam 12-20 yards down the field, he’s much more of a force and harder to bring down. I’m fine with him not being able to juke and jive for extra yards if it means we’re moving the chains and getting some rhythm established offensively.
He’s actually pretty good, imo, after the catch. Just hasn’t been in good situations the past two games to do much after the catch.
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Oct 5, 2009 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Using him more like a Fullback catching passes, Huh?
He’s averaging about 7 yards a catch I think, but they are finally utilizing his abilities. Unlike what the Cowboys do with Witten, they seem to prefer Heath as a dump-off guy. I say great, better him then Carey Davis. Heath should be a 60 to 80 catch TE. I think he could be as dangerous as any TE in the league, but he will never be used that way here.
13 years and no playoff wins for the Dallas Cowboys... SWEET!
by idiscgolftexas on Oct 5, 2009 7:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Check out NFL take on Athlete tragedies
http://tightend.blogspot.com/2009/10/it-was-all-good-2-seconds-ago.html
"Don't Be Afraid to Stand on a Pile of 'No's' for one 'Yes'"
by curiousg87 on Oct 6, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Horse on tranquilizers!!!
Slow but solid………great hands too. If we can continue to use him as often as we have, there is no question he will be one of the Top 3 TE’s in the league this year. However I doubt he goes to Honolulu, seeing that the Pro Bowl is in Miami.
by Acidcane on Oct 5, 2009 7:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hehe fair enough
Oh well, not going to change that one. Thanks for the correction though about Pro Bowl’s location
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Oct 5, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone watching Ben on WWE
It;s freaking funny shit
by jglo on Oct 5, 2009 10:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
BTW Blitz
That’s a pretty dreamy picture of Heath. Do I need to let Drew Brees know that your attention is wandering? ( :
Great post, but I doubt heath makes the pro-bowl. Just too many other guys in line (that guy from San Diego looked pretty good)
by SteelerBuddha on Oct 5, 2009 11:42 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
lol!
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Oct 6, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eric Green
I remember how much we used EG back in the early 90’s. The TE is a great position and when you have a player as talented as my boy, Heath Miller, you have to include that dynamic into the offense more and more!
Throw to Heath 15 times a game and he will have 15 receptions! Make it happen Arians!
Every day brings future to past, every breath leaves me one less to my last. DT
by usmcsdi69 on Oct 6, 2009 9:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Eric Green
still scores all my TDs in Tecmo Super Bowl.
by Desroko on Oct 6, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heath
I remember during the off season there was a debate regarding whether Heath was a must “resign” or not.
Never a doubt in my mind…he is the perfect TE for us.
by SteelerMike on Oct 6, 2009 9:48 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Busy Week
Was going to do my own write-up on Heath’s game against the Chargers, but haven’t had time. He quietly put up about 70 yards in that game. Not too shabby for a TE on a team that ran the ball almost 30 times. All the post-game love went to Mendy (deservedly so), but Heath was a minor monster on Sunday.
by Varmint on Oct 6, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope Ben is learning to
include Heath in his check-down consistently. Could save a few coverage sacks.
My heros have always been Steelers...
by wozzle on Oct 6, 2009 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
he is i think. definitely a reason why heath has so many catches so far
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean (Blitz) on Oct 6, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
D. Johnson to help H. Miller's game & Steelers O
I don’t know if you guys listened to Mike Tomlin’s press conference today, but when he did the injury report, you could hear the excitement in his voice when he said he expected TE/FB D. Johnson to be back practicing this week and possibly be available for Sunday.
I know some of you are saying who cares, but D. Johnson gives the O another in-line blocker at TED and lead FB in some formations to block. More importantly, it frees up Heath to spend less time on the line of scrimmage and in the backfield and more time downfield catching passes. In the team’s goal-line setup, to have Heath and D. Johnson on the ends as well as C/G D. Legursky at FB could give the Steelers their best opportunity yet personnel wise to pick up those tough yards. And when Jared Allen of the Vikings come to town in about 3 weeks, you can probably expect to see D. Johnson over on his side a lot to M. Starks deal with that problem.
If the OL and running game continues its run of getting a little bit better each week, this O could be scary later in the year.
Now for this D, people are saying everything will be taken care of when Troy P. returns. I don’t agree. I think a big issue that people aren’t talking about is the performance (or lack there of so far) of L. Woodley.
The pressure he brought from his LB spot this past year had as much to do with the success of this team’s Super Bowl run as anyone last year. So far, he’s not getting to the QB as much or beating his man one-on-one as he did last year. He’s also not putting up the tackle totals. Sure, teams are hitting the Steelers with quick-passes and screens, but Palmer and Rivers had plenty of 5-step drops during the past two games and Woodley wasn’t getting there. This team not only needs the return of Troy P. on D to be nasty again, it also needs a return to form of L. Woodley.
BTW, I went to the Chargers game and that place was rocking. Will provide a little more insight later.
by datruth4life on Oct 6, 2009 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great thoughts
-I am also excited about Johnson. Anyone who can stone Harrison one-on-one has my attention. I also love the comment from him about “Harrison not being the only one on the team who lifts weights” Cocky, in the best possible way.
-As I’ve said before – we will look good for two weeks, but it might be false security. We really need this time to get the running game solidified and bring along some of the pups (Hood, Lewis, Burnett, Johnson, Sweed, Mendy) who will be crucial in the stretch run, either due to injury or two spell the big dogs.
-Agree on Woods. Doesn’t look like the same guy yet. Almost no pressure from his side. I don’t need to see 12 sacks, but I want to see QB hurries every game. As of yet, I don’t know that he has any.
by SteelerBuddha on Oct 6, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Woodley dropping into coverage
When I watched the San Diego game again last night, I noticed that Woodley only rushed the passer once or twice in about the first 20 defensive snaps. He was out in coverage a lot. They used inside stunts with Timmons and Farrior to put pressure on Rivers. Unfortunately, that cleared out the middle of the field for some of those blitz beating throws to Gates down the seam. I don’t think Woodley is playing as well as last year, but he is not just strictly trying to get to the QB. I wish they would just send him on the edge. Coverage is not his strength.
Erik
by ekl on Oct 6, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some items from Jim Wexell
These are from his excellent Twitter feed with my commentary:
@cdhe Steelers had another chance to sign Harris to 53, but chose Eason instead. In fact, they could do it today, any day, if they wanted.
- Guess that tells you were their head is with Sonny Harris. They could have had him on the 53, but preferred Eason. Makes sense – ton of young guys already on the team, coaches want the security of a vet – even one who doesn’t have much upside.
@feuerstarta Oh, Sweed will get another chance, or three. Too much talent not to, and a good blocker & teams player. Will he respond? Dunno.
-As all of you know, I am a charter member of the play-sweed-now club. I have argued extensively why we need to see what he can do sooner rather than later. I have also argued that his ability to stretch the D makes him more valuable as a 4th receiver than McDonald. I like to hear from Wexell he’s a good blocker too. Let’s get him out there the next two weeks. Too much talent. We have to test him now, not in January.
@rkapur000 I can’t complain about not using the hands team when Mundy figures to be on it anyway. Catch the stinkin ball.
- Yup. Yup. My solution. Replace Mundy on the hands team – let’s see which of our DB’s could step in? Oh, I got it! Ike Taylor!
by SteelerBuddha on Oct 6, 2009 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sweed's gonna catch one of those long bombs eventually
Which I guess makes him more valuable than Mcdonald at the moment.
If Wallace wasn’t turning out to be such a baller, I’d feel differently, though.
by Desroko on Oct 6, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if
Heath’s blocks as a percentage of all passing plays have decreased.
by Desroko on Oct 6, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This is a good point.
If the O-line is able to handle 4 or 5 with a Heath-chip, his necessity to stay in and block is lessened freeing him up to go and be open.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
by steelguy99 on Oct 6, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is S. McDonald really having an impact on O?
I think Ben has throwed at him one time and i believe he caught it, but the play was called back for holding. I’m wondering if McDonald is getting open. We all know Sweed doesn’t have a problem getting open, he just can’t catch the ball.
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a WR that freezes up like him when trying to catch a deep ball. I think he needs some time with Dr. Phil or Oprah.
by datruth4life on Oct 6, 2009 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good read Blitz
While I agree it’s great to see Heath more involved this year, I disagree about the likelihood he will be named to the Pro Bowl. Gates and Clark are all but guaranteed to be named ahead of him because of their big play ability.
Heath has great hands, always seems to find a way to get open, and almost always gets extra yards after initial contact, but he lacks the speed to make the big plays that other TEs are capable of.
Right now he is ranked in the mid 40’s for all TEs in the league in terms of yards per catch (7.5 ypc) and first down %. Despite being tied for second in the league with 24 catches, he only ranks 10th in term of total yards. Additionally, he has the lowest ypc of the top 30 TEs in the league in terms of total yardage.
I think the only way he makes it to the PB is if Clark or Gates get injured or if they decide to name 3 TEs again this year as they did last season. If that’s the case then I could certainly see him being named. His primary competition for that third spot would appear to be Owen Daniels who was named to the team last season.
Personally, I’d much rather have him play the week before the PB. Most should certainly agree with that.
by King Coebra on Oct 7, 2009 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"Cocky, in the best possible way."
.
Yeah, love that about Johnson. I know that he doesn’t have great hands, but I’d love to see him get wildly free underneath a few times against Bmore just so he could give their back 8 a “pound-me-in-the-brisket” clinic.
by Concomitandt on Oct 8, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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