First Half Thoughts
1. Limas Sweed has been a big disappointment as a rookie. The physical Texas product was the first wide receiver off the board in some Mock Drafts last April, and wound up being one of ten wideouts to go in the second round. The pick was hailed as a steal, but he's struggled to get on the field as a pro with four catches. Tonight, with some chances, he made a weak effort to pick up a first down and let a punt hit him, causing a turnover. These sort of mental mistakes and soft play plagued him in the preseason. He's got a long way to go in his career, but it doesn't look good for dynasty leaguers.
2. Willie Parker isn't helped by the deteriorating Heinz Field. He's not a mudder, and Gary Russell threatens to steal all his short-yardage work. Parker did get a carry inside the five-yard line, but didn't go anywhere.
Comments
People forget in a year that has Eddie Royal, DeSean Jackson, and Donnie Avery see success as rookies, that rookie WRs doing anything useful is generally rare.
Posted by: Dennis | November 20, 2008 10:30 PM
I agree and will do a follow up on all 10 guys. but there is a difference between starting slow, not helping in fantasy, and not contributing anything to your team period. if he was a 6th round pick, he would have been cut by now.
Posted by: Gregg | November 20, 2008 10:36 PM
Another first half thought: Big Ben looks like a GREAT $100K Challenge pick.
Posted by: P. Terrence | November 20, 2008 11:45 PM
Sweed had a nice grab on a Roethlisberger scramble in the second half.
Dynasty leaguers, don't fret. The Steelers rarely get their rooks on the field. That Limas is getting targets shows that Ben trusts him.
Hold tight. When Ward retires in 2 years, it's time for the Sweed Show.
Go Stillers!
Posted by: KB | November 21, 2008 12:58 AM
Not only is the productive rookie WR a rarity, but occasionally a WR will have a great rookie season, never to be heard from again (ie Kerry Colbert, Michael Clayton). It is just way too early to tell if Sweed is a bust or not.
Posted by: mrboma | November 21, 2008 10:43 AM
I agree that Sweed has not played well this year, but rookie WR's don't generally play well for the Steelers.
Burress was awful in his first season as a Steeler, despite being a top 10 draft pick.
Hines was drafted in the 3rd I believe, but he did little as well.
Holmes was decent, but not spectacular.
I think Sweed could have been better, but I'm not freaking out yet. He has time to develop behind some really good WR's and can learn how to do the little things well.
Posted by: Hooch | November 21, 2008 03:45 PM
tensed pedagogic proselytize,shameless fluffiest?ante froth compatibles.
Posted by: | February 5, 2009 04:05 PM