stillers4me
11-09-2014, 08:51 AM
The superlatives surrounding Steelers rookie receiver Martavis Bryant are evident.
His five touchdown receptions, an NFL record for receivers in the first three games of their career; the spark he has provided a once-underachieving offense that's scoring about three touchdowns more per game since he was added to the lineup; the legitimate deep threat he provides the Steelers for the first time since Mike Wallace left two years ago.
What isn't evident is how a fourth-round pick labeled as raw and as a project by the organization not long after it drafted him became not only the impetus of a record-setting offense but also the catalyst of a last-to-first, three-week turnaround in the AFC North heading into Sunday's game against the New York Jets.
Former NFL safety Matt Bowen, who now writes for Bleacher Report, has a theory.
"He puts stress on top of the defense," Bowen said. "He is a true deep-ball threat with a quarterback that trusts his ability as a rookie to get the ball. That opens up the middle of the field and creates even more opportunities for Roethlisberger to target other receivers."
Is it as simple as that?..............................
Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/7084524-74/bryant-martavis-steelers#ixzz3IaDEqtV7
His five touchdown receptions, an NFL record for receivers in the first three games of their career; the spark he has provided a once-underachieving offense that's scoring about three touchdowns more per game since he was added to the lineup; the legitimate deep threat he provides the Steelers for the first time since Mike Wallace left two years ago.
What isn't evident is how a fourth-round pick labeled as raw and as a project by the organization not long after it drafted him became not only the impetus of a record-setting offense but also the catalyst of a last-to-first, three-week turnaround in the AFC North heading into Sunday's game against the New York Jets.
Former NFL safety Matt Bowen, who now writes for Bleacher Report, has a theory.
"He puts stress on top of the defense," Bowen said. "He is a true deep-ball threat with a quarterback that trusts his ability as a rookie to get the ball. That opens up the middle of the field and creates even more opportunities for Roethlisberger to target other receivers."
Is it as simple as that?..............................
Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/7084524-74/bryant-martavis-steelers#ixzz3IaDEqtV7