Miller = probowl in '09?

by 36chambers on May 18, 2009 12:35 PM EDT

It's occurred to me recently that there's a few factors that may contribute to Miller making the probowl this season. I certainly think he's talented enough and a better pure TE than some players, like Gates or Winslow. But, in a numbers contest, he's gotten overlooked for the honors. He has a good shot this year though.

1. Contract year. He'll likely be playing above his usual high level.

2. Despite whatever upside our next 3rd receiver will have, Miller we be a more consistent and reliable target during the bulk of the season while our replacement for Washington learns the system.

3. The offseason has shuffled Gonzales and Winslow to the NFC. Now there's a few talented TE's left in the AFC, but with those two gone, Miller really might have a better chance the the PB this year. This could be a career year for him.

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Hmm..

Good point #3. With Gonzo and Winslow out it does provide an opening. Gates is still a bit of a shoo-in but I could see Miller taking the 2nd spot. His main competition might be Owen Daniels in Texas and Dallas Clark in Indi.

Personally I’d be fine with a lot more balls going Miller’s way. Good things tend to happen.

by Chicago Steeler on May 18, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions

More surprised he hasn't been there every year

Just like baseball, it’s becoming about piecemeal stats rather than the big picture. Miller does it all really well, and does what’s asked of him. In this offense he’s never going to get the fancy numbers….

by dawgs144 on May 18, 2009 1:29 PM EDT reply actions

Don't Agree With #1

In some cases, I agree that a player goes big in his contract year, but not with Heath Miller. The guy is a true blue collar, Steelers-type player in that he brings it every practice, every game, every play. If we were talking about someone like Lendale White, then I would agree that he shows up in better shape and plays harder during a contract year. But Heath plays at his highest level all the time, from what I’ve seen atleast.

by R.Clemente on May 18, 2009 4:36 PM EDT reply actions

Also, #1 is on the assumption that no contract gets done in the off-season. I think that out of anyone, Miller is one of the more likely to land an extension.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on May 18, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Miller does the little things

that don’t show up in the stats. Great blocking, I hope like hell Pettigrew turns out like Miller. I’ve always felt Winslow is overrated and been living off of daddys name. I’m kinda shocked Heath hasn’t been to a Pro Bowl yet, the guy is just a great, solid football player.

by JazzyBBP on May 18, 2009 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t think Pettigrew will be Miller. From all reports Pettigrew should be a better blocker from Miller, but at the same time is unlikely to get the YAC that Miller does. Miller lives for the first down marker.

Don't worry about the haters. Haters only hate.

by steelguy99 on May 19, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

If Pettigrew

can increase 3rd down efficiancy 1/2 as much as Miller (which shouldn’t be hard for the Lions), he’ll be considered a tremendous success.

by JazzyBBP on May 19, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Valid

Miller has a tough time in this offense because there just isnt much meat thrown at him that he can show off.

He is a prized horse in a donkey only competition.

Miller could be an easy in among soft TEs. But still not a gimme.

Owen Daniels is a watch out for, over in Houston. He can ball.

by Mechem on May 19, 2009 3:36 AM EDT reply actions

I think he has earned it

As Jazzy said, he does all the little things. He is that all around package in a TE that you don’t find that often. He has made so many clutch catches against us. It’s something about TE’s against the Bengals, they always eat us up.

It's still a good season if we go 2-14 and beat the Steelers twice.

by Bengals FTW on May 19, 2009 9:31 AM EDT reply actions