Is Sweed in a 'Battle' For His Job?
by Neal Coolong on Mar 7, 2010 11:22 AM EST
51 comments
To say Steelers WR Limas Sweed's career has been timultuous through two seasons is an understatement.
There was The Drop against Baltimore. Then The Other Drop against Cincinnati. Inconsistent playing time followed both incidents, which led to the climax of Sweed being placed on the IR with three games to play due to a "non-football illness."
Or "undisclosed personal issues," per the Post-Gazette. The Steelers have stuck with the illness side of the story, but reports generally seem to agree that his status for training camp is up in the air.
The question then becomes how much faith do the Steelers have in Sweed to recover from the illness/issue, and start moving toward the potential the team hoped he'd reach by now?
Free agent WR Arnaz Battle's visit to Pittsburgh on Monday is the start of the process needed to answer that question.
Battle doesn't flash huge stats. He had just five catches for 40 yards last season, and hasn't really been productive since his two-year stretch in 2006-07 where he locked up 109 catches for 1,286 yards. But he has the size to play the slot (6-foot-1, 207 pounds), which is a position at which the Steelers need to establish some depth.
Sweed was expected to fill that role to this point, but has been unable to do it. The ageless Hines Ward put in one of his best statistical seasons in 2009 (95 catches, 1,167 yards, six TDs), and the Steelers are clearly a passing team. The combination of Ward, Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace and Heath Miller make their passing attack one of the most formidable in the league.
However, behind Ward sits practice squad hero Tyler Grisham, whose best attribute was supposed to be his hands. That was said before he dropped one of the two passes thrown at him last season. Grisham replaced Sweed in the short-term before the signing of Joey Galloway who didn't dress for either of the games he was on the roster for, and will not be resigned.
Battle is 30, so age won't be an issue in providing a longer term solution. He's almost the same size as Ward. While Battle doesn't have a reputation as the hardest run blocker at his position, as the fourth WR, it's rare he'll see many running plays anyway.
At a lower price tag, he seems like a reasonable enough solution. Is that what it's come to for Sweed? Size and speed that makes scouts drool and defensive coordinators sleepless, and a low price tag to boot, he looks like a long touchdown or third down conversion waiting to happen. Sweed taking a flanker spot on the field opposite Ward with Holmes and Wallace outside of them sounds lethal on paper. Production out of that sub package would open the game up so much more for the base package, particularly on first downs.
But we stratch our heads wondering how a second-round pick with so much potential now has a low-cost contingency plan in place. If Battle's 29 catches and zero touchdowns in his last 24 games is a better option that Sweed for whatever reason, it'll mark one of the more disappointing Steelers storylines in recent memory.
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IDK
I would love to sit here and root and campaign for sweed to have a successful training camp and off season but idk what’s going on with the guy and when it comes to playing he has done nothing but drop . I think there is hope with him being able to become the 4th WR depending on what happen with this battle from SF . I just wish he could be that big play threat that he was when at Texas . Man could you imagine if he gets his act together and develops into something . With Hines, ssntonio, and Wallace, what an offense we would have
In Myron we Trust
by SteelTownKid08 on Mar 7, 2010 11:45 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Man...
I’m almost as tired of hearing about Sweed as I am Redman/Tank/the draft/FA…
Sweed will step up, or he won’t. The Steelers will sign a FA WR, or they won’t.
I agree with you Cool, I would love to see Sweed become a D killer like he’s supposed to be, but it’s looking like a forgone conclusion.
I don’t like the idea of signing a 30 year old at ANY position, unless they are an absolute superstar (Sharper), and Battle is not a superstar, by ANY stretch of the word.
"OOH! A piece of candy. OOH! A piece of candy."
-James Woods
On superstars alone...
…a championship team is not built. The point I’m trying to make here is they’re signing a veteran FA with limited success to come in and take Sweed’s job. That’s how far he’s fallen off. The fact it’s happening before his contract is up speaks volumes, cuz any team willing to cut a cheap skill position player who has all the intangibles needed for his job must have a pretty significant reason.
I mean…Troy Williamson was given five years in Minnesota, and the dude’s still in the league. It takes a lot to cut a player with those physical attributes, especially when they’re cheap.
by Neal Coolong on Mar 7, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Dan Snyder and Jerry Jones would disagree with you
about superstars making champ teams. Again, I agree with you there.
I just think that proven commodities would be better for FA signings. Randle El, anyone? Please? I mean, if we’re going to get a FA WR, why not El instead of Battle?
"OOH! A piece of candy. OOH! A piece of candy."
-James Woods
El is Ready for the Glue Factory
He lost a step, and that was all he had. It pains me to say it.
At least with Battle I’ve heard he’s a quality ST guy, that we need.
I’m hoping to hear more talk about Sharper, Bodden, or Pool. What are your thoughts on these DBs in our system?
30 years old isn’t exactly ancient, and it’s not like we’d be locking Battle up, assuming he fits the bill, for any substantial amount of time. Wide receivers that aren’t all-speed can stay in the game long past 30.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
I know all this, we do have Ward, after all...
But, Ward has proven himself in every one of his 12 seasons with us. Battle has only proven that he’s a mildly successful 4th receiver. He was never a game breaker (although, what 4th receiver is?), and with him entering the twilight of his career, his production can only go down…
"OOH! A piece of candy. OOH! A piece of candy."
-James Woods
+1
I think Sweed’s issues are between the ears. Either something’s in his head, or in not training enough. Can’t see anything else (but could be wrong, as always).
not just about sweed
Ward is going to slow down at some point in the near future
Holmes is going to be a very expensive free agent to resign and there is no guarantee that we will be able to resign him.
Looking two years down the road it makes sense to bring in a wideout or two regardless of Sweed’s situation.
Holmes
There’s no way the team doesn’t resign him. He’ll never see free agency.
by Neal Coolong on Mar 7, 2010 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
Holmes is going to get paid, not only because he’s worth it but because the steelers are going to be in a WR hole without him. When you pay your quarterback as much as we do, you need to have someone to throw the ball to.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
agree
If Ben continues down this accused criminal path, Holmes will soon be the face of the franchise. Holmes will be resigned by the Steelers. You have to love the Tone he sets in a game.
Holmes will be the face of the franchise
hmmm…do we like the sound of that?
by Neal Coolong on Mar 7, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
I really wish we didn’t have to worry about a face. I always like to think that guys like A. Smith, J. Farrior, etc. make up the heart of our team and should be defined as the collective “face” of the franchise. I know that’s not the reality, so I sure hope we can continue keeping Troy in the forefront of the steelers representation. From all accounts a solid human being throughout.
No, Holmes seems like a total douchebag. He can play ball though.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
This Sh*t Pains Me
Roethlisberger is such an arrogant douchebag. When the F is he going to grow up? The Ravens get Boldin and and we get this shit. I’ll wager here’s what went down:
That dumbass got hammered and wasn’t getting the right ‘attention’ from a Georgia Club Skank so he called her a ‘bitch’ and smacked her titty.
Now we (‘they’ actually… the Steelers) have to deal with this stupid distraction in an already unstable climate. (Groan)
Holmes will be signed long-term after CBA is resolved
not goin’ anywhere
The steelers looked all set to have an elite set of WRs when they got Wallace. Everyone expected Sweed to step up and Ward to eventually phase out, leaving us with a great set of 3 dynamic receivers. As everyone in steelers nation is aware, that didn’t pan out so well, and I certainly am happy to see the steelers go after a guy with some height.
I haven’t given up on Sweed yet. No idea what his illness was, but going on the assumption that he wanted to put a bullet from his head, he can turn it around. Maybe this year. For his personal benefit I hope he does, because the rest of his life basically depends on it. Unfortunately as a steeler, he was supposed to be figuring out football the past two years, not figuring out life.
In any event, this past year a psychologically messed up failure of a quarterback seemed to have turned the corner. I’m rooting for Sweed to do the same, both for his sake and for the steelers.
You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"
So, does Battle play ST or what?
I always root for the ND guys, but can’t find this info anywhere. Does he make tackles on returns? Because that would be awesome.
good point
I just figured that since our new ST coach comes from SF he may have wanted him here for that reason
B.U.S.T.
I wrote those letters regarding Sweed in 08 after he dropped a long TD against the Chargers in the playoff game. The Steelers finally put the game away later but Sweed could have ended the suspense much earlier in the 4th quarter.
Then he dropped the ball against Baltimore and I was done with him. Many on this site continue to defend Limas even after he dropped another sure game winning TD against The Bengals in 09. Many even chastised me for claiming he dropped a ball against SD that wasn’t “catchable” according to some. Well crew, I went out and spent $29.99 on the 4 CD set of the clincher against Baltimore, the playoff games against SD and Baltimore and the Super Bowl. Guess what? The pass against SD was very catchable and I bet Holmes, Wallace, Hines or Arnaz Battle comes down with that throw. Sweed was a good college receiver. So what? So were many on this site. That doesn’t make you a pro. Limas is no pro. He is amateur hour.
I hope Limas has a great July/August in Latrobe and becomes the receiver we all want him to be. I just don’t see it happening. I for one am glad that the Steelers have taken the steps necessary to make sure they have some solid depth at WR in 2010. Don’t count on Limas. He didn’t even catch a cold this winter!
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
"That Was A Beautiful Throw"
That is the quote from Phil Simms watching the replay of Limas Sweed drop a throw from Byron Leftwich. The throw hit Sweed “absolutely in stride” (to quote Simms partner in the booth) and directly in Sweeds hands. I am watching it for the 3rd time in a row as I type.
The play is on 3rd and 7 just inside the 3 minute mark of the 4th quarter. I respectfully ask that you go back and look Cool. It was in no way overthrown.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
not that quoting Phil Simms has ever been a good thing
but hes right in this case. I have that game on DVD and it was a perfect pass (literally perfect, Manning couldn’t have done any better).
The reason Sweed dropped it is because the defenders hands looked like they were gonna deflect it so he was preparing himself for having to catch it elsewhere (if that makes sense). In the end the defender completely missed it and it hit Sweed right where he wasn’t expecting it to be (a.k.a . perfect placement). Still not much of an excuse but I can at least understand it.
True dat
We already have plenty of guys trying to play CB who can’t catch the ball.
"OOH! A piece of candy. OOH! A piece of candy."
-James Woods
I really hope Limas works out because we could use a tall end zone threat
We have not had that since Plex. BB was right when he asked for that. tehy got the guy and he can’t catch a ball. It’s not his hands, it’s focus and maturity. Keep in mind, most receivers blossom in their 3rd yr. He better or that will trully be a bust!
Poor Drafting
Limas Sweed was another poor pick by kevin colbert and the draft team. I don’t care if you nail first round picks every year if you can’t draft the next 6 rounds, that is when your depth chart suffers and look at what happened last year.
We tried to retain a championship team through several seasons and not use free agency and all 3 areas of our football team suffered. Our drafting is not nearly as impressive as everyone thinks for using it to develop a team. Look back at the drafts…
Brandon London looks great. Why would he not be playing over grisham or battle?
Are you serious?
Look at the 2008 team, how many of our better players played for a different team before the Steelers?
We have a ton of undrafted FA, which are scouted like the drafted players. I’ll give credit to our scouting for anyone who doesn’t play for a different NFL team at some point before becoming a Steeler.
Players that played for an NFL team before Pittsburgh that were even a decent part of our SB win: James Farrior, Ryan Clark, Tyrone Carter, Travis Kirscke, Nick Eason, Mewelde Moore, Carey Davis, Bryan Leftwich, Najeh Davenport, Mitch Berger, Sean McHugh, Justin Hartwig.
Of those, I’d say Farrior and Clark were the only big time contributors to the team. You are going to tell me building through the draft doesn’t work? You’re going to tell me that beyond the first round we don’t find people?
Man, we find people after the draft is over better than most find players in the draft.
Although he's exaggerating a little
He does have a point. I think we’re all in agreement that the scouting department needs to get better at finding players in the 4th to 6th rounds.
In reality, those rounds are going to provide you with special teams and practice squad players. But imagine how much better we would be if we found some gems on the second day. We need be more consistent in finding guys like Ike Taylor, Aaron Smith, and Kemo.
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 7, 2010 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
Round 2 - LOL
forget about Rds 4-7, look at the wasted picks in Rd 2 over the last 7-8 years … I’m writing from memory, so won’t commit to years, but -
Traded up for R Colclough
Traded out of Rd 2 and took Anthony Smith in Rd 3
Bust of all busts, Alonzo (?) Jackson, DE from FSU that was supposed to do what Woodley has done (about 6 yrs ago).
Sweed in ’08 we all remember
Traded out of 2 to pick K Urbik in ’09
Besides Woodley, we haven’t found winner in Rd 2 for many years, unless I’m forgetting somebody. Forget about depth in Rd 6/7, give me a potential starter in Rd 2 for Christ’s sake more than 1x every 7 years!
Do you guys
really expect every pick to be a success… give me a break
Steelers football is 60 mins.
by tannofsteel84 on Mar 9, 2010 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
Eric Decker
A larger, faster Hines. High charachter. Excellent athlete. We could get him in 3rd or 4th round.
smee d
He should feel as secure a any other #4 that has dropped 2vcareer defining passes. That said ,if he has a future it is with the black and gold, I seem to remeber another young rec. that had the dropsies early and turned out alright,
As acting President of Team Sweed
I decline to comment at this moment in time.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Might not be a "Team Sweed" for much longer.
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 7, 2010 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
I can neither confirm nor deny that statement
We remain active in supporting our client until further notice.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
I assure you that our client is his biggest fan
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
Does your client have a plan in place to ensure his employment with our company?
by StoneColdSteel on Mar 7, 2010 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
We are all very excited for the upcoming year
The signing of Mr. Battle only give our client more competition which will allow him to develop. We are confident that Mr. Sweed will have a great year.
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want them to bury me upside down, so that my critics can kiss my a**!"
-Bobby Knight
I'm Surprised Limas Hasn't Dropped Team Sweed
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
by 5020 on Mar 7, 2010 10:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i can see how this could potentially be a need next year
but so are safety & CB…just wondering when the steelers will bring players for those positions too
Sweed is homesick for Texas
When I read that he’s said he’d rather play for Houston or Dallas it occurred to me the he grew up in Texas and played in college there.
The kid is homesick and apparently can’t(or doesn’t want to) play outside of the state of Texas.
Maybe he misses mommy. Or his gf. Or his friends.
But since I saw that I’m convinced he’d “magically” re-learn to catch if he signed with a Texas team.
If he did that, I’d be pissed w/a capital P if I were the Steelers….
On further consideration-
Sweed could just be one of those people who can’t function away from familiar surroundings. It could be a serious issue for him. He might even have developed certain psychological issues similar to, but far more extreme than, homesickness.
Or- he could just be a big 6’5" 225lb. crybaby who can’t function w/o mommy…
…just sayin’…..
Nooooo Sweedy say it ain't so!
Brian: Face it Peter, you get competitive about everything.
Peter: I am so not competitive. In fact, I am the least non-competitive. So I win.
Competition
I like bringing Battle in for competition purposes. Battle will push for the fourth WR spot and force Sweed to do the same if he wants to stay on the team. The odd man out would more than likely be McDonald. Too much invested in Sweed and too much potential to give up on him in only his third year. Competition is great and welcomed although I believe this move is more a special teams move because the new special teams coach coached Battle for a couple years in San Fran.
That's how you be great!
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