Santonio Holmes - going forward discussion (1 Viewer)

[sdsjr3]

I threw out his name in another thread and now I'm thinking about this. So far it seems that the Steelers passing game is struggling compared to the past 2 years. Perhaps it's a biproduct of Ben's health, but something's not "clicking".

Holmes predraft reports had him as a fast, sure-handed WR. Basically, a decent shot a breaking the big one in the open field.

Given this, and the fact that Ben seems to be looking at him a little more, does anyone else think that he could be a sleeper to have a decent 2nd half? Maybe a sparkplug for this offense?

Granted, Ben doens't look good, but it's not like he's Peyton and the Steelers rely on him to win games single-handedly. I think he'll improve in the coming weeks.

 

[Righetti]

just got this from Sportsline:

News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers rookie WR Santonio Holmes will begin sharing reps at wide receiver with starter Cedrick Wilson. Holmes and Wilson alternated every two series at San Diego, and that rotation will continue into practice. Each should see anywhere from 20 to 30 reps per game. "What (Holmes has) done has merited that approach," Cowher said.

Analysis: Holmes had a pair of catches for 22 yards last week and will see very limited production until he starts to receive the bulk of the playing time across from Hines Ward. He's worth a roster spot in keeper leagues, but owners shouldn't expect much from him at this point in the 2006 season

 

[urbanhack]

Nate Washington has more catches, more yards and more TDs (not by much) than those two...where does he fit in this equation?

 

[Godsbrother]

Nate Washington has more catches, more yards and more TDs (not by much) than those two...where does he fit in this equation?

Washington is the 3rd WR in the slot. He gets a decent amount of looks, has made some nice catches but has also had a lot of drops.Santonio is going to continue to take more playing time away from Wilson and will eventually assume the starting role. When he does the Steelers might move Wilson into the slot which would leave Washington as the #4 WR or they could leave Washington in the slot and have Wilson be the #4.

 

[Asinine]

Remember Ben missed a lot of reps at the beginning of training camp due to the motorcycle accident and then missed two weeks because of his appendix. Those reps are what's needed to develop rapport with your receivers, which appears to be lacking right now. It will improve over the course of the season, but it may happen too late make a playoff run.

As for Santonio, it's good to hear he's getting some reps with the first team. My prognosis is he'll be a typical inconsistent rookie by posting good games followed by bad ones. He's got a lot more value in 2007 and beyond.

 

[sdsjr3]

just got this from Sportsline:News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers rookie WR Santonio Holmes will begin sharing reps at wide receiver with starter Cedrick Wilson. Holmes and Wilson alternated every two series at San Diego, and that rotation will continue into practice. Each should see anywhere from 20 to 30 reps per game. "What (Holmes has) done has merited that approach," Cowher said.Analysis: Holmes had a pair of catches for 22 yards last week and will see very limited production until he starts to receive the bulk of the playing time across from Hines Ward. He's worth a roster spot in keeper leagues, but owners shouldn't expect much from him at this point in the 2006 season

Interesting. You know, it's one of them deal where I'm looking at this week 6 & 7 bye week deal thinking "yeah, there's some shots in the dark out there but...." Each week a different WR steps up, only to fall back to earth quickly (Marcus Robinson et al). I'm SERIOUSLY considering picking up and starting Santonio this week. Right now my "shot in the dark" conists of either Brandon Jones :X or Curry. I just keep thinking that Holmes will have a few good games this year, and if the Steelers find a guy now that is a spark...I'd imagine Cowher will feed it. Why not? If nothing else, Holmes can easily take it to the house if he can beat the 1 on 1 coverage he'll get opposite Hines.Screw it....I'm doing it. Just convinced myself. Here's to ya Santonio!

 

[Righetti]

just got this from Sportsline:News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers rookie WR Santonio Holmes will begin sharing reps at wide receiver with starter Cedrick Wilson. Holmes and Wilson alternated every two series at San Diego, and that rotation will continue into practice. Each should see anywhere from 20 to 30 reps per game. "What (Holmes has) done has merited that approach," Cowher said.Analysis: Holmes had a pair of catches for 22 yards last week and will see very limited production until he starts to receive the bulk of the playing time across from Hines Ward. He's worth a roster spot in keeper leagues, but owners shouldn't expect much from him at this point in the 2006 season

Interesting. You know, it's one of them deal where I'm looking at this week 6 & 7 bye week deal thinking "yeah, there's some shots in the dark out there but...." Each week a different WR steps up, only to fall back to earth quickly (Marcus Robinson et al). I'm SERIOUSLY considering picking up and starting Santonio this week. Right now my "shot in the dark" conists of either Brandon Jones :X or Curry. I just keep thinking that Holmes will have a few good games this year, and if the Steelers find a guy now that is a spark...I'd imagine Cowher will feed it. Why not? If nothing else, Holmes can easily take it to the house if he can beat the 1 on 1 coverage he'll get opposite Hines.Screw it....I'm doing it. Just convinced myself. Here's to ya Santonio!

was impressed with the big catch early in the game, although I wish he would have stayed involved in the game a bit more later on...he does seem to be going through the typical first year receiver routine.. struggle for playing time early but slowly build some confidence from your coach and QB.. and slowly start becoming involved in the game

 

[Righetti]

these fumbles have to stop

the dude had 2 more today according to the NFL gamebook and lost one of them

I think he's got 5 fumbles already this season

that has GOT to stop

 

[CrossEyed]

these fumbles have to stopthe dude had 2 more today according to the NFL gamebook and lost one of themI think he's got 5 fumbles already this seasonthat has GOT to stop

I think all of his fumbles have come on punt/kick returns. After today's performance I'd be surprised to ever see him back there again.

 

[Steelers4Life]

these fumbles have to stopthe dude had 2 more today according to the NFL gamebook and lost one of themI think he's got 5 fumbles already this seasonthat has GOT to stop

His fumbles are coming in the return game, not as a WR. I don't think he's going to be part of the return game again anytime soon. He's looked good as a WR and his role is expanding each week. He's the 2nd best WR the Steelers have.

 

[Righetti]

good to see that those are special team fumbles..although that also won't endear you to the coaching staff

 

[monkeysee]

He is a bit of a head case, but he has what it takes to become a WR1. 3 years from now he will become a star.

 

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

is he the starter now?

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

is he the starter now?

Nothing confirmed, but Cowher did suggest that some changes would be made to the starting line-up this week. Holmes replacing Wilson is one of the most logical. Holmes has occasionally been replacing Wilson in 2WR sets already, I'd expect to see him used more in the 2nd half of the year.

 

[Godsbrother]

Holmes & Cedric Wilson have been splitting series for the past couple of weeks. Cowher praised Holmes' play at WR this week and Wilson's fumble at the 6 yard line is not helping his cause.

Holmes has had problems holding onto the ball himself but it has been on punt and kick returns, not at WR. Holmes was replaced as a PR last week by Wilson on and Ike Taylor on kickoffs. However Cowher said yesterday that he is leaning towards putting Holmes back in at PR.

In any case, from here on out Holmes is going to be getting more time at WR and Wilson less...

 

[infantsam]

He gets pretty wide open sometimes - and his hands look good but it's still too early to decide if he is another Troy Edwards or not.

Hopefully some tough lessons this year will teach him how to be a pro because the skills to be a pretty good WR seem to be there - and having Ben throwing you the ball for the next 10 years is not all that bad.

 

[infantsam]

He gets pretty wide open sometimes - and his hands look good but it's still too early to decide if he is another Troy Edwards or not.

Hopefully some tough lessons this year will teach him how to be a pro because the skills to be a pretty good WR seem to be there - and having Ben throwing you the ball for the next 10 years is not all that bad.

 

[Godsbrother]

He gets pretty wide open sometimes - and his hands look good but it's still too early to decide if he is another Troy Edwards or not.Hopefully some tough lessons this year will teach him how to be a pro because the skills to be a pretty good WR seem to be there - and having Ben throwing you the ball for the next 10 years is not all that bad.

You can say that again.

 

[Wooderson]

What's the latest on this guy is he worth a roster sport? Maybe a #3 WR on a team.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Wilson is still the starter but Holmes is now the Steelers #2 WR in catches and receiving yards. He seems to make at least one big play per game but has yet to score. Wilson did score on the Saints but also alligator-armed a pass over the middle. Nate Washington also had a few drops,