With the Steelers about to head into the preseason, fans can now rejoice in the fact that they will have 22 straight weeks of Steeler action, and hopefully more. While fans have been waiting on the edge of their seat for the season to begin, the men of steel have been at training camp in Latrobe, PA.
For those who have been following the training camp might be familiar with the statement by quarterback Ben Roesthlisberger who said that wide receiver Markus Wheaton would be the “breakout player of the year” and is starting over Martavis Bryant. To many, this is shocking.
Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) catches a forty-seven yard touchdown pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback
Lardarius Webb(21) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Martavis Bryant exploded as a rookie last season, supplying the Steelers with a red zone vertical threat that was nearly unstoppable to contain, scoring 8 touchdowns in his first 8 games in the NFL. With Roesthlisberger and Bryant clicking so well, many believed that Martavis would have earned a slot next to star Antonio Brown, but apparently that isn’t the case.
Also adding to the shock, Markus Wheaton was fairly disappointing in his 2014 campaign, with only 2 touchdowns to his name, and 6 more games than Bryant. Not only did people have faith in Martavis Bryant, but people truly believed he was blossoming into a true star. Analysts have pointed to Bryant as a player to really keep an eye on, an emerging star, and a fantasy football steal. It could be worrisome to some to see the Steelers putting more faith in a player who was not nearly as good in 2014 as Martavis Bryant.
It’ll be very intriguing to see how the two wide receivers play throughout the preseason, and if their play will lead to any depth chart switches. Though, if Ben Roethlisberger is confident in Markus Wheaton, it’s very possible that Wheaton has simply taken his game to the next level, which could seriously add to an offense that is already one of the best in the league.
With a potent run game, and an already strong passing game, having all three receivers playing at a high level could make the Steelers offense an unstoppable force.
Next: Steelers: Why Todd Haley should remain on Pittsburgh's coaching staff
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