mesaSteeler
04-08-2009, 06:23 PM
Plax missteps show Steelers made right call
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/
Posted April 6, 2009 7 :59 PM
Plaxico Burress or Hines Ward?
It wasn't too long ago that the Steelers had to make a choice about which of the two wide receivers to keep.
And everything would have favored Burress on paper. The Steelers had invested a first-round pick in him -- No. 8 overall in the 2000 draft, no less -- and he is the kind of tall, speedy wide receiver that has become the prototype of the position.
As for Ward, he is listed at 6-feet -- listed, mind you -— and has never been able to shake the label of possession receiver that, while, minimizing his value, isn't entirely inaccurate.
But more evidence abounded today that the Steelers made the right call in signing Ward, instead of Burress, to a long-term contract following the 2004 season.
Burress, according to the New York Post, recently got pulled over for speeding in Florida and cursed out a police officer. This from a guy who should be on his best behavior considering he is unemployed -- and is still at the mercy of suspension-happy commissioner Roger Goodell because of the absurd incident in which he shot himself in a New York City nightclub.
Burress may have made the game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLII. But since the Giants pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history and denied the Patriots a perfect season Burress has been unable to stay out of his (or his gun's) own way.
His latest misstep may not be a big one in the grand scheme of things. But, added to his body of work, it makes you wonder how long he is for the NFL.
And it leaves no doubt that the Steelers made the right choice when they picked Ward, who has helped them win two Super Bowls since Burress left Pittsburgh and will one day be a viable candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, over Burress.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/viewfromthepressbox/
Posted April 6, 2009 7 :59 PM
Plaxico Burress or Hines Ward?
It wasn't too long ago that the Steelers had to make a choice about which of the two wide receivers to keep.
And everything would have favored Burress on paper. The Steelers had invested a first-round pick in him -- No. 8 overall in the 2000 draft, no less -- and he is the kind of tall, speedy wide receiver that has become the prototype of the position.
As for Ward, he is listed at 6-feet -- listed, mind you -— and has never been able to shake the label of possession receiver that, while, minimizing his value, isn't entirely inaccurate.
But more evidence abounded today that the Steelers made the right call in signing Ward, instead of Burress, to a long-term contract following the 2004 season.
Burress, according to the New York Post, recently got pulled over for speeding in Florida and cursed out a police officer. This from a guy who should be on his best behavior considering he is unemployed -- and is still at the mercy of suspension-happy commissioner Roger Goodell because of the absurd incident in which he shot himself in a New York City nightclub.
Burress may have made the game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLII. But since the Giants pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history and denied the Patriots a perfect season Burress has been unable to stay out of his (or his gun's) own way.
His latest misstep may not be a big one in the grand scheme of things. But, added to his body of work, it makes you wonder how long he is for the NFL.
And it leaves no doubt that the Steelers made the right choice when they picked Ward, who has helped them win two Super Bowls since Burress left Pittsburgh and will one day be a viable candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, over Burress.