Ward deserves one more year and a little respect
by tdbragg66 on Jan 11, 2012 7:55 PM EST
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Hines Ward has stated publicly that he wants to return to the Steelers next season even if it means a reduced role in the offense as well as a pay cut . I say if Hines is willing to do that ,then he deserves one last year . Hines Ward has been the face of the Steeler franchise for the last ten years and helped bring two Super Bowl championships to the city of Pittsburgh . I'll be the first to agree that Hines is not the player he was four or five years ago but if used correctly he can still be one of the better possession receivers in the game . For the coaches to say he could no longer be a factor in the offense is completely unfair . How can any player in the NFL , young or old be a factor in the game when they're standing on the sideline holding their helmet ? With Emanuelle Sanders missing several games this year due to a broken bone in his foot there was room for Hines Ward on the field but the coaches said , sorry Hines no playing time for you . To me thats a little unfair to a guy that is the all time receptions leader in the history of your organization passing not only one but two Hall of Famers in Lynn Swann and John Stallworth . Somehow that just doesnt seem right .
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Nobody deserves anything
Sorry to break it to you.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 11, 2012 9:14 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
He's my favorite Steeler of all-time (duh)...
…but I’m not sure I agree with the sentiment he “deserves” one last year.
I’m also not sure I see Hines surviving cuts if he’s invited back to training camp. He was never much of a deep threat to begin with, and with Ben under center and Playstation scheme BA (who appears to be returning), we throw the deep ball more than ever now. I just don’t see where he fits in on this team right now.
Those who can...do.
Those who can't... post on message boards using a screen name boasting the name of those who can.
by Craig Sager's Wardrobe on Jan 11, 2012 9:35 PM EST reply actions
Deserves a “roster spot” no but In my mind he deserves a “chance” to try for it if he wants to.
There is no shame in getting older and If he cannot cut it any more so be it. That will not diminish the mans contribution and accomplishments whatsoever. Sure it would be nice if he could go out as a three time superbowl winner but that’s a fairytale ending and we all know life most of the time does not work like that.
This
Looks like more of the same…BA and Coach Dad are coming back, according to the Trib….Same bad play calls, same 90’s def…what now?
by jonesynysteeler on Jan 11, 2012 10:18 PM EST reply actions
Another winning season and a chance at a playoff run?
by axiomatic on Jan 12, 2012 2:59 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+7
What is this logic that you speak of…
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
I’d say those chances are created more by the defense and not the offense.
Offensive Scoring
325 (T-21st)
Defensive Scoring
227 (1st)
Talk is always about BA, but I think it’s hard to argue against his RZ playcalling being terrible.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Jan 12, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yeah our scoring succked
I was beginning to think in 2010 that the criticism that BA receives was unwarranted. Not any more after this one. Still I doubt that I’ll ever loose hope with a 12-4 record.
But is it a guarantee that BA is coming back? I know that’s what he thinks …
Also an interesting question in that article is do we bring back Willie Gay.
I think we bring Gay back unless Brown has a ridiculous off season.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Jan 12, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
He deserves a chance
At the vet minimum
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Jan 12, 2012 9:35 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
+1
If Ward is sincere about coming back with a reduced role and a drastically reduced salary, I’m sure he’ll be back. He’ll make for a great cheerleader on the sidelines and mentor to those receivers actually on the field.
No one ever likes it when a popular player gets old and his skills dimish but it happens to everyone and part of the game. Holding onto a guy b/c solely because of what he did for you in the past doesn’t help the team, the player or the fans. Nobody wanted to see Old Yeller get shot but we understood that it had to be done.
by average joe blow on Jan 12, 2012 10:24 AM EST reply actions
if anythig Ward deserves more respect he’s done so much for the steelers he’s taught wallce brown and sanders everthig they need to know
Deserve...Respect and all the other words that are being used on Hines Ward
I have loved and appreciated Hines Ward and his contribution over the last 14 years to the Steelers, but it’s is clearly time for him to retire. Everyone can see it and I know Hines knows it also. The toughest thing for a professional athlete is knowing when to retire, you have seen evidence of that many times.
When the Ratbirds this summer decided to part ways with Mason and the rest of the veteran players I thought they had done themselves in over money. Looking back on it now they were smarter than the Steelers and are in line for a SB run. Got to admit it folks, we need to make some changes…this wasn’t the same team especially on D that we have been used to seeming and the worst thing is that #1 D titled that has been harped on during 2011. The numbers are telling us a lie trust .
Time has come to restock the shelves…Hines, Farrior, McFadden, Batch, Smith, Hoke, Foote should all be gone, and there are a few like Casey, Heath that should follow next year, like it or not change is necessary and vital to continue winning.
I love Heath also...
but when you look at Saunders, he is going to be a prolific downfield type TE. I think Heath can stick another year for sure and maybe 2.
Heath can stick with team for a while because he can block with the best of them
so as Saunders takes over as the receiving threat Heath can stay as in in-line blocker
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 12, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
How do you know that Saunders will be that good?
What did he do in the regular season that was so much more impressive than Heath?
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 12, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
The circus catch that he made against KC for a TD
Heath doesn’t make this catch and Weslye is faster than Heath
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 12, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Lets let Saunders actually produce like Heath before we say he's better
That will be hard to do in this offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 12, 2012 7:04 PM EST up reply actions
I never said he was better all-around
I said he was a better receiver. That’s why I said leave Heath as the in-line blocker because he is one of the best if not the best at the TE position at blocking.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 12, 2012 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
Even if Saunders produces
why get rid of Heath? He’s not old, and two tight end schemes seem to be the wave of the future.
This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.
I never said get rid of him
He’s a great in-line blocker let’s use him in that role and let him sneak out once the play starts to break down
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 13, 2012 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
Heath is still young, so I'm not sure why you said that
Plus we signed him to an extension before the season started.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 12, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
yea Heath just turned 29 three months ago
He’s not going anywhere
by average joe blow on Jan 13, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
It’s strange thinking he’s only 29. Seems like he’s been around forever. I just hope the line issues can be fixed so he can finally get the respect he deserves.
This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.
Heath is good
Sometimes great. Had a down year, and generally wasn’t utilized properly. They finally let him catch a few in the Denver game, and I think he was one of the few bright spots.
Saunders has a lot of potential. But those calling to crown him (not you, Frank), let him perform along those lines for a full season before you start saying Heath is expendable.
That, and given the fact that the receivers are excellent but miniature, it can’t hurt to have two excellent receiving tight ends, especially if they can both block too.
Heath stays AND Saunders flourishes.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jan 13, 2012 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
that’s kind of how I feel. I think Saunders has the tools to be great, but he’s got a way to go. Even if he did become as good as I think he can, I still think Heath should stay. If he was allowed to go out for passes, things would be different. Two great tight ends is the way to go fo sho.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
He deserves a chance to make the roster
just like everyone else
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Back in my day we killed five hookers and thought nothing of it" Craig James
If BA will not give up on the "everybody go long" offense
Ward has no place.
If they add a intermediate and short passing game, he will.
Personally love him and hope it’s the latter.
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
22.8% of Roethlisberger’s passes were “deep” (>15 yards).
That was 11th in the league, behind such noted Mad Bombers as Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning, and Matt Moore.
Nice stat
Where’d you get that?
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Jan 13, 2012 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
It is telling that Tebow is 1st
And we dared him to throw deep all game.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Jan 13, 2012 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
The only good pass he throws is the deep ball
And yet we let him do it.
Smh.
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
by StoneColdSteel on Jan 13, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
Would you rather them try to him the deep pass all game
or stop what they do really well and that’s run the ball.
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 14, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
but the number rises to 70%
if you factor in the times it’s called and Ben gets sacked. Yes – I pulled that number out of my ass.
Odd place to keep stats
but to each his own I guess.
:)
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
It's not about style of play
Ward simply doesn’t have the athleticism to create space or seperation in his routes. I’d love to hear how many of his receptions were those little short bubble screens.
by average joe blow on Jan 13, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
I'd guess close to half
He got one every game, at least. That’s 16 right there.
"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter
by John Stephens on Jan 13, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Ward will ALWAYS have my respect...
but his time is here.
Actually
I love Ward – perhaps my favorite Steeler the past 15 years (since Greg Lloyd) – but his time is done. He deserves a chance at making the roster, but frankly I hope he doesn’t come back. At least in Jerome’s last year, he was still a goal-line threat. Ward doesn’t offer the Steelers anything at this stage.
From a football standpoint, he doesn’t get any separation anymore. He can be covered by linebackers with ease. He’s simply not a threat at any point on the field. If he were bigger, I’d try moving him to TE, but he can’t stand up to that kind of punishment. What do you do with a WR who can’t get open and isn’t quick enough to make people miss?
As such, I just don’t see a role for Ward on the field next year. Bring the guy back as a coach and unofficially retire his jersey. Give him all his well-deserved praise. But as a player Ward’s time should be done.
I say let him finish off his contract
He’ll always be a Steeler to me.
"I think every quarterback should believe they’re the best. Do I think there are better quarterbacks than me? Possibly. But would I take anyone else with the ball in their hands at the end of the game? I don’t think so." - Ben Roethlisberger-
Yep
Especially if he’s willing to take a pay cut.. just like Bettis did.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
If you really want Hines to finish his contract, then you’re a fan of Hines Ward, not the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was overpaid this season and he’s owed over $9 million in the next two seasons. What’s better for the success of this team, making tough decisions or continuing to pay a declining player for what he did years ago?
by average joe blow on Jan 13, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
K then
Who’s gonna help the young guys? Heath Miller?
"I think every quarterback should believe they’re the best. Do I think there are better quarterbacks than me? Possibly. But would I take anyone else with the ball in their hands at the end of the game? I don’t think so." - Ben Roethlisberger-
Jericho Cotchery?
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 16, 2012 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
$20M > the cap
unless he’s willing to play for minimum, then the team can’t afford to keep players on the roster that aren’t producing.
Arizona is hiring
Pittsburgh Steelers fan - nuff said.
Miami Hurricanes fan - nuff said.
Georgetown Hoyas fan - nuff said.
Cleveland Cavaliers fan - um yeah, about that...
Yeah,
how hard is it to say “You go long…” Play calling with bottle caps and pieces of glass…
by Larrybob8187 on Jan 13, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
I've been thinking about what would be "best" for the Steelers in 2012
With the salary cap issues, the number of free agents and the needs of the team, just what are the Steelers going to look like starting the 2012 season.
New faces, new schemes and the “out with the old; in with the new” mantra being heard, I’m sure we’ll be surprised by at least some the decisions the Steelers make. Some we’ll agree with; some…. we’ll second guess and I’m SURE we’ll hear the usual cry of “OMG what the hell is the FO thinking!! Do they NOT want to bring home #7”
Since this is a topic about Hines Ward, I’ll pass along some of my thoughts as they pertain to him and his “value” moving forward. StoneCold said in the first post, “Nobody deserves anything” and I agree with him. You have to earn things; they are not expected nor should they be simply handed to you as a Steeler. Hines Ward is no exception.
My personal feeling is Hines provides something to this team that isn’t seen in his stats, TD’s, collective yards gained and numbers. We can see it everytime Antonio Brown runs a route. We can see it when he makes a crushing block. We can see it when Sanders makes “adjustments”. We can see it when Mike Wallace shows increasing awareness of DB’s. Hines’ fingerprints are all over these guys. He has been given many gifts and one of them is his ability to mentor. Hines has always been team-first; individual second.
I can see Hines taking league minimum to stay with the Steelers. I can see him EARNING a roster spot. I can see him being of more value on the sidelines than on the playing field…. and I can see that rubbing people the wrong way. You can’t put a value on what Hines brings to “young money”.
I can see Hines Ward ending his career the way he started it: as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Whatever happens… In Rooney I Trust.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
The standard is the standard
applies in both directions.
If Hines is better than the next-best fifth receiver option the Steelers have, he’ll be on the team next season. If he isn’t, he won’t. Period.
One reason the Steelers have had sustained competitiveness (with their “down years” being around .500, rather than 3-13) is because they hold firmly to the belief that it’s better to let a player go a year too early than a year too late. I think they’ll sustain this even with a player as popular as Hines.
The real issue...
the health of Hines Ward. To see a camera shot of him on the sidelines, brings me to tears. He looks dazed and confused. Where is that smile? The best thing for Hines to do is retire.
If he won’t retire, we can at least keep him from going to another team by cutting his salary, cutting his playing time even more and letting him mentor. Hire him as a coach when he retires.
Hines will be a Steeler forever!!
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