Somehow, the Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten particularly good at finding wide receivers. And keeping the ones they should keep.
Colbert and Tomlin (our version of C.A.T.s, aka, GM & HC) have received and to some extent deserved their fair share of criticism when it comes to talent evaluation. The overall hits and misses can be thoroughly debated across every position except, Wide Receiver!
I was chopping it up with a few of my well – informed crew over some, ahem, beverages and after a few rounds we found ourselves deep in discussions about how the Steelers almost never miss over the years on getting good to great receivers in any round of the drafts. Considering how we typically arrive late to the dance because of the previous years success; if you think about it, you have to give mad props to the cool (C.A.T.s) at the top. Colbert and Tomlin have made all of the right moves with regards to the position since their tenure; it is and I’m going to pen this phrase, “Crystalballish”. There, I said it and perhaps not a word found in the Queens English or for the G.C.P. (grammatically correct people), nonetheless, a word that is so apropo to this situation.
Case in point; How else would they know to trade Martavious Bryant for a third round pick (which may turn out to be a pick for the ages considering the potential of a franchise QB being the prize) with Bryant in the Silver & Black less then two months now facing a possible suspension? Crystalballish! Wait, what about signing Antonio Brown to a fat deal, not offering Emmanuel Sanders and letting Mike Wallace walk his way to Miami? Crystalballish! No No No Dont forget those cool C.A.T.s cutting their losses and letting go or shipping out a host of receivers such as Santonio I can make a Superbowl winning catch and then chase my demons amongst the smoke clouds Holmes or Plaxico bulletproof leg Burress. Crystalballish I tell you.
Other superb moves involve who they have cut versus who they have kept over the years which is symbolic to their approach as well as the needed foresight to keep our ariel attack amongst the best in the NFL. By jettisoning guys such as Marcus Wheaton, Cobi Hamilton, Sammie Coates and a host of others over the years, by comparison to who they kept; one could surmise either they know what they are doing or…it’s just Crystalballish!
Strap Up is coming at you correct if not always with correctness but giving credit when credit is due, but will provide the same fervor when the Coaches and Players need the “Strap” taking to them! My special kind of literary flavor is a cross between “Hype and Hard Hits” not pulling any punches but always in the interest in good entertainment. Dont get caught off guard with some of the “catch phrases” and I am open to cordial verbal volleys that do not cross the line.
Next: Will Le'Veon Bell sign before the deadline?
So, Strap Up! Because this season has a real chance for us to climb the stairway to seven and further cement our place on the Rushmore of NFL Franchises.