Ward ready for more looks in passing game

BlitzburghRockCity · 09-15-2005, 11:36 PM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/trib.../s_374279.html

Wide receiver Hines Ward was OK with rolling a deuce in last Sunday's season-opening win against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field.

Sort of.

"We won, that's all that counted," he said.

A perennial Pro Bowl receiver who's averaged 95 catches the past four seasons, Ward had two receptions for 25 yards in the opener. He smiled when asked if he needed a little more action.

"Of course, all wide receivers want to catch all the balls," Ward said. "But the game plan that day was for us to go out and run the ball. I only had two attempts, so I made the most of it."

The Steelers' run-to-pass total vs. the Titans was 41 to 11. It marked the fewest number of passes attempted by the team in 28 years. Their top three receivers - Ward, Antwaan Randle El and Cedrick Wilson - tied for the team lead with two receptions each Sunday.

Last season, Ward caught three or more passes in 15 of 18 games. He also surpassed 25 yards in all but three games. Clearly, he was far from the Pro Bowl standard he set last season, at least statistically.

"I don't really worry about that," said Ward, who faces a Houston secondary Sunday that features cornerbacks Philip Buchanon and Dunta Robinson. "I don't think I have to prove myself anymore to anybody. I know what type of player I am. Antwaan and those guys, we can make the plays when called upon. If we go out and pass 10 times, then we've got to take full advantage of those 10 times. Willie (Parker) was running crazy last week. Why not just keep giving him the ball and let him run wild on them? If that game plan works, then so be it.

"As a receiver, you just have to continue blocking to help the running backs out, and when called upon on third down and passing situations, you got to come up big like we did."

Wilson's catches went for first downs against the Titans. One of Ward's moved the sticks. And Randle El made a great adjustment on a 63-yard touchdown pass.

"We'll do whatever we have to do to win," Ward said. "We like catching the ball, but the big thing is getting that 'W' every week. I'll take that over anything else, any day."

ironcitychef · 09-15-2005, 11:40 PM

I really don't think that our WR are very concerned with their numbers. They get amped up watching us attack the other guys 40 plus times a game on the ground. Just think every time Hines doesn't get hit because we ran the ball, he is still getting paid better than last year.

BlitzburghRockCity · 09-15-2005, 11:52 PM

Thanks goodness they are pretty much selfless..Ward knows he'll get his numbers, he always does...but credit the team attitude they and everybody else carries on this squad!

melroseplace · 09-17-2005, 05:22 PM

that's one of the things I love about the Steelers...they are a team. they take both the wins and losses as a team, not as individuals

clevestinks · 09-17-2005, 05:42 PM

Wins, Wins,Wins. No disrespect to Mr.Ward, but lets just Win.

BlitzburghRockCity · 09-17-2005, 06:13 PM

Right on cleve, win at all costs..no matter who gets the accolades we win as a team and know our roles and thats what has kept us a premier franchise in this league for so long.

ironcitychef · 09-18-2005, 11:59 AM

If anyone has a beef about the passing game and looks its Kreider. So far 3 times in Preseason and week one I've seen him be wide(pronounced WIDE) open in the flat for 6 and can't buy a pass towards him. Give the guy something to tell his grandkids.

clevestinks · 09-19-2005, 06:41 PM

Well Mr Ward! Ask and you shall receive! Great game.

Black-n-Gold · 09-19-2005, 06:55 PM

What a catch in the endzone, can't get enough of this guy..

BlitzburghRockCity · 09-20-2005, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironcitychef

If anyone has a beef about the passing game and looks its Kreider. So far 3 times in Preseason and week one I've seen him be wide(pronounced WIDE) open in the flat for 6 and can't buy a pass towards him. Give the guy something to tell his grandkids.

Towards the end of the season they ran the few plays in the book, designed for Kreider on a consistent basis and he continually delivered, but earlier in the year, he barely got a token carry every 3 games or so.. so watch out, they'll get him involved in probably decemeber

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