Why is Heath Miller So Underrated?

by Michael Bean on Nov 15, 2007 12:14 PM EST in News

Whenever you hear discussion about the game's great tight ends, the Steelers Heath Miller is rarely, if ever at all, mentioned. Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates, of course, are the two names that dominate the discussion. The Giants Jeremy Shockey and the Cowboys Jason Witten will get a nod. Same with Kellen Winslow. And even though nobody would dare claim Dallas Clark, Vernon Davis, and Todd Heap as the best at their position, you can frequently hear them mentioned as integral components of their teams' offenses.

Not Heath though. When the Steelers are brought up in national discussions, Big Ben, Fast Willie Parker, Hines Ward, and now Santonio Holmes are the names mentioned. Nary a word about Mr. Miller.

And that's too bad, because Miller is quietly having a phenomenal season. To the numbers (league rank among TEs in parentheses):

Receptions: 31 (12)

Receiving Yards: 421 (7)

Yards Per Catch - of TEs with more than 10 catches: 13.6 (2)

Touchdowns: 6 (t-1st)

Catches of 20+ yards: 9 (t-2nd)

1st Down % - of TEs with more than 10 catches: 77.4 % (1)

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Looks like a top 5 TE to me. What do the numbers indicate? He catches a high number of balls for the offense he's in; he's money in the red-zone; when he catches the ball, it's usually for a 1st down; and he has the athleticism to get down the field quick enough to have a healthy average per catch.

While it miffs me that Heath Miller is so overlooked by most NFL fans and pundits, I'm just fine with that, and I'd bet Heath is to (at least for now). You can bet though that GMs around the league know about Heath Miller and will be more than willing to open their checkbooks when he becomes a free agent in 2010. Once again the Steelers struck gold again in the draft, and I hope we're able to enjoy this under-appreciated talent for years to come.

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my thoughts exactly

He created some buzz his rookie year but like most of the Pitt offense last year he struggled. This year though he's showing the league that he's a top TE and there are very few that I'd take over him. He's also developed into a good blocker for his position.

"The more violent team will win tonight" - Mike Tomlin.

by cgolden on Nov 15, 2007 12:41 PM EST reply actions

Why does no one know about him?

He's still "new."
He didn't do too much for the last two years (His numbers this year so far are about the same as they were for each of the last two seasons).

I think a lot of us realized two years ago that this guy was going to be an integral part of the team eventually. This year is that "eventually." I'd wait and see what people are saying at the end of the season when they realize that Miller had over 800 yards and 10 TDs.

by HinesField on Nov 15, 2007 1:13 PM EST reply actions

Just like Hines Ward

He gets overlooked mainly due to the fact that he gets few catches than the other TEs mentioned. He's on pace for about 50-55 receptions, but when Gates and Gonzalez are catching 80-90 balls that can get overlooked.

I think he fits our team perfectly, just like Hines does. He makes the catches we need, and helps the running game with his blocking. Hopefully, he'll get locked up to long term deal like Ben within a year or two.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Nov 15, 2007 3:59 PM EST reply actions

Proven

He sort of became Ben's go-to guy last year when Ben wasn't really clicking with Ward, that trust seems to ahve continued into this year and for the most part Miller hasn't disappointed.

by 40s on Nov 16, 2007 3:13 PM EST reply actions

I think he's better than Dallas Clark

who Big Blue Shoe from Stapede Blue thinks is the best TE in football, which is a joke.

If Miller keeps improving, he just might be a good as Jason Witten someday who I think is the best all around TE in football in terms of both blocking and receving.

by Terry @ Behind the Steel Curtain on Nov 16, 2007 3:32 PM EST reply actions