FanPost

Paradoxical Universe: Sweed Poses Big Threat to Ravens Secondary

We all know that Limas Sweed has been an absolute disappointment in the opportunities he has received as a Pittsburgh Steeler. The sure touchdown drop against the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game could have been worse had we lost the game. However, the drop in the end zone against the Bengals this year essentially did cost us the game (ok, ok before you pro-Sweeders go all fanatical, a lot of things caused that loss). Clearly, however, Sweed has great speed and is a great route runner (just look how open he was on both of those drops). It would be interesting to see how good he could be if he used stick'um knew how to catch.

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So I want you to join me in a voyage to a galaxy far, far away where Limas Sweed knows how to catch.

Pradoxical Profile: Limas Sweed is a 6'4" and 220lb receiver who runs a blistering 4.46 40 time (especially for that size). If you try to jam him, he can easily over-power any DB. If you try to play off of him, he can make a double more and beat you deep. Clearly, he would pose a threat to most of the DBs on any team. He is made even more difficult to guard because opposing teams have to defend additional Steelers speedsters, Holmes and Wallace, as well as one of the best veteran WRs in the league, Hines Ward.

Paradoxical Opponent: Going into the our week 12 game against the Baltimore Ravens I would say Sweed poses a significant threat to the Baltimore Ravens secondary. The Ravens do not really have a tall DB that matches up favorably against tall and fast WRs. Actually, they have been burned by at least two that I can think of off the top of my head. Let's dive into the numbers:

  • Week 2 San Diego Chargers Vincent Jackson - Jackson is 6'5" and 230 pounds and runs a 4.41 40 time. The Ravens had no answer for Jackson as he accumulated 141 yards on 6 receptions. Additionally, he had a deep 35 yard pass for a score.
  • Week 6 Minnesota Vikings Sidney Rice - Rice is a 6'4" and 210 beast who runs a 4.5 40 time. He had 174 yards on 6 receptions. On one pass Rice caught about a 15 yard pass and tacked on an extra 48 yards after the catch and almost scored.
  • Honorable Mention: Week 5 Cincinnati Bengals Chris Henry (6'4 200lbs 4.4 40. 3 recs 92 yards).

However, the Ravens did shut down the Denver Broncos Brandon Marshall, 6'4" and 230lbs and a 4.55 40 time, in week 8. However, I attribute this more to the fact that Orton spent the entire game on his back. Now is your time to disagree with me Malor, but I have a good argument to refute your claims. And that is "cram it up your cram hole!" I am a Steelers homer and I will see those statistics the way I want to.

Paradoxical Conclusion: IF Limas Sweed knew how to catch, he would be able to give us a dangerous weapon against the small Baltimore secondary. Mike Wallace is a great deep threat, however he is only 6 foot tall. The Ravens have fast DBs who have 40 times comparable to Wallace's. Sweed offers a third dimension, which our other three receivers do not have, height.

The Ravens tallest player in their secondary is Dawan Landry, their Strong Safety, at 6'1" and their tallest CB is 5'11, I believe. That gives Sweed 4-6 inch advantage on any one that would match up against him. In a game of inches, that is a huge advantage. If there was ever a game to give Sweed a second third ummm fourth or so chance, this would be it. With our season potentially on the line in another "must win" game, we could use a knock out punch. In my opinion, if Sweed plays he could offer us just that...if he catches the ball. A huge game from Sweed could allow us to forget the drops and have Sweed leaping into our hearts.

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