Martavis Bryant knows a thing or two about surprising opponents. For instance, when he stepped onto the field against the Houston Texans, they weren't aware of what was about to ensue. His first NFL reception went for a touchdown in the Monday Night Football win. The Cincinnati Bengals' secondary certainly didn't know what to think as they watched Bryant run past the entire secondary for a 94-yard touchdown in a huge road win for the Steelers.
Entering his second season, the book is out on Bryant. Teams will know how to bracket their coverage to avoid Bryant from beating them down the field. Or will they?
Bryant has spent the offseason honing his craft, and not simply resting on his natural ability. He has gained 10-pounds of muscle (raising the bar Antonio Brown set when he gained 5-pounds of muscle this offseason) and has an internal drive to be one of the greats.
"Everyone gets bigger and better every year," Bryant told Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I wanted to make sure I got better. I didn't want to slack off or become complacent. I had some things I wanted to get done in the offseason, so I went to work."
Bryant worked out with Jay Glazer at his fitness studio this offseason where he trained with the likes of New York Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr., and it was there where he developed a 'just wait-and-see' mindset approaching the 2015 season.
"It was just working on your details, becoming a professional at your craft," Bryant said in regards to training with Glazer. "When you get back, you can show everyone what you learned, all your new tricks."
The Steelers, and their global fan base, are certainly excited to see what Bryant can bring to the table next season. After catching 8 touchdowns after being inactive in the first 6 games of 2014 it seemed like the tip of the iceberg for Bryant. Someone who knows Bryant well is his former college quarterback Tajh Boyd who is trying to make the Steelers' roster this season. He sees big things for Bryant next season and for years to come.
"I think he's going to be a Pro Bowler in the next two years," said Boyd. "I definitely see him having 1,000 yards this year."
1,000 yards along with the usual production from Antonio Brown would certainly go a long way in regards to the success of the 2015 Steelers' offense, but if there is one thing which will help Bryant next season, it isn't the muscle added to his frame, but the knowledge he gained from his playing time as a rookie.
"It's a lot easier because I'm in shape," Bryant said. "I don't have to think like I did last year. I'm not stressing about learning the plays. Everything is slower for me. I don't have to do a lot of thinking. Now it's about going out, playing, performing and having fun with it."
Hopefully having fun while the Steelers, and Bryant, put together a memorable season in 2015.