No need to panic with Bryant's situation....

[Legacy User]

I'll add I like Wheaton Coates and now green too. This is a respectable group. Paired with AB it's a good group.

Thing is Haley can scheme these guys open a and be successful. You didn't have to scheme martavus. You tell him to get on his giddy up and he drags 2-3 defenders around like magnets. Opportunities would've been huge. Green is roto rooter man. Easiest money he's ever made.

Anyway I still think there's a small chance for Bryant next year.

Steelers always have some fucking offseason mojo. Let's hope this is the last of it.

[JJT07]

I'll add I like Wheaton Coates and now green too. This is a respectable group. Paired with AB it's a good group.

Thing is Haley can scheme these guys open a and be successful. You didn't have to scheme martavus. You tell him to get on his giddy up and he drags 2-3 defenders around like magnets. Opportunities would've been huge. Green is roto rooter man. Easiest money he's ever made.

Anyway I still think there's a small chance for Bryant next year.

Steelers always have some fucking offseason mojo. Let's hope this is the last of it.

I don't think anyone will argue that the offense would be better with Bryant out there. But people on here are pretending like this guy is Calvin Johnson in his prime. There is a ton of talent on the offense without Bryant, especially with the addition of a 6'6" 250 lb guy that can run.

This is a top 5 offense right now without Bryant assuming we are healthy in my opinion, with Bryant it is probably #1, and not even close.

Sucks we lost him for the year, but I have a feeling Sammie Coates is going to be a nice weapon that will lessen the blow.

[Old School Steeler]

Ben has three "best in league" type weapons and two now have question marks. Bell two consecutive off season surgeries and zero carries in two consecutive post seasons and Bryant incredibly could not show up for work clean and sober and become a multi millionaire. I'm trying but can't rationalize away the disappointment. Constructing a building is much harder than demolishing it; this offense was building something with dynamic potential. Losing Bryant for me is losing a building footer. Wheaton & DHB are complements. Think we should ride with our roster plus SC & Green and approach the draft with our pre Bryant fiasco plan. Give Bryant one more shot, if his destiny is to over come his addiction and realize his alien football skills let it be in B&G.

[R_S]

Lay off KC. He always tends to have extreme opinions one way or the other. Though MB will (would have never been) never be as good as AB. He simply doesn't have the hands. That rarely develops.

IMO, the only MASSIVE BLOW to championship aspirations that deserves all caps, is if something happens to Ben.

[Steeldrama]

Bryant is a major loss. Kids a stud. But you think his hands are bad? Wait til you see Sammie Coates in more action.

I agree the season is never lost as long as Ben stays healthy. Hopefully he's working extra hard this offseason to make that happen.

To me though it's the return to health of Leveon Bell that will drive this offense to the Super Bowl. If his knee doesn't fully recover or he comes back strong but goes down yet again with another serious injury then his loss coupled with the Bryant suspension could be too much to overcome.

[bradshaw2ben]

Coates's biggest issue isn't hands-- it's adjusting to the ball in flight. The place where he will be similar to Bryant is on those screens... Coates can make the first guy miss most of the time and can exploit a crease in the D with the best of them. I'm not sure Coates's hands are worse than Bryant's-- think about how many drops Bryant had.

[Steeldrama]

B2B I'm sure you're right but Coates does in fact drop EASY passes that require zero adjustment but rather MUCH better concentration or else KC will be dubbing this kid "clank" before the preseason ends.

[Drummer Boy]

To me, if we have Ben, Bell and AB healthy, the line keeps improving, and we get reasonable help from DWill, Green, Wheaton and Coates, then we have a top-3, top-2, top-whatever offense. What hurts is the lost dream of a GOAT offense.

I think our red zone attack will improve with or without Bryant, and that will be huge.

[CASTEELER]

I love Coates and hopefully Wheaton will develop further, but this is a MASSIVE, MASSIVE FUCKING BLOW to our championship hopes.

Bryant is a c*nt.

It's a blow.

But not a MASSIVE, MASSIVE, FUCKING blow.

Teams with far lesser talent on offense than we have now, without Bryant, have won championships.

You're high.

Bryant has the ability to be better than Antonio Brown and when he's on, looks like a Randy Moss clone.

Wheaton isn't a pimple on his ass and while Coates has the ability to be of comparable talent, there is no guarantee he'll come close to that this year.

MASSIVE, MASSIVE FUCKING BLOW.

Yup it is a big blow as Ben finally had his big fast receiver. Ben is the type of QB that can get the ball deep to a blazing WR. AB is great but after him no one is close to Bryant. But it is what it is and the offense will miss him big time. But without a better defense even if Bryant was on the team we are not going anywhere.

[jeemie]

Again...no question Bryant is a loss, but as someone else pointed out, the only loss that would be a MASSIVE, MASSIVE BLOW to our Super Bowl hopes is Ben.

People have this idea that our offense cannot function unless it has All Pro players at every offensive skill position.

This is not true. We have enough skill players left to have a fully functional offense that will be plenty good enough to compete for a Lombardi even if we do not have "an All World defense".

In my mind, it actually shows a stunning lack of faith in Ben. "Oh my GOD...unless he has a stud weapon absolutely EVERYWHERE, we're screwed!!!!"

[K_C_]

...from the guy that once wrote (pre-draft), "Big Ben is the next Ryan Leaf".

Can you provide a link? I look forward to seeing that.

You're a lying fucking cunt.

I definitely favored Rivers over Roethlisberger, but that was for one reason: Rivers would get the opportunity to start over the turd Maddox, because he was a 4 years QB in a big conference. No way on earth Roethlisberger plays his first year, if not for the injury to Maddox.

Now suck my dick dry.

[Legacy User]

[Steel Mike]

Again...no question Bryant is a loss, but as someone else pointed out, the only loss that would be a MASSIVE, MASSIVE BLOW to our Super Bowl hopes is Ben.

People have this idea that our offense cannot function unless it has All Pro players at every offensive skill position.

This is not true. We have enough skill players left to have a fully functional offense that will be plenty good enough to compete for a Lombardi even if we do not have "an All World defense".

In my mind, it actually shows a stunning lack of faith in Ben. "Oh my GOD...unless he has a stud weapon absolutely EVERYWHERE, we're screwed!!!!"

Agreed. I made that point, too. It'd be one thing if the Steelers had an average QB where the weapons had to elevate him... but it's freaking Ben. He has the ability to make the guys around him better. Losing Bryant sucks for sure, but nothing to freak out over.

[Steeldrama]

The Steelers offense scored 6.4 fewer points a game without suspended WR Martavis Bryant in the lineup over the last two seasons.
The most noticeable split occurred in Bryant's rookie year. After struggling through the first six games, the offense took off once Bryant made his NFL debut. Ben Roethlisberger averaged almost six fewer fantasy points in the nine games he played without Bryant over the last two seasons. The Steelers added help in free agency with Ladarius Green, and sophomore Sammie Coates should be able to help fill the hole left by Bryant. Still, this offense should take a step back without Bryant on the field.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

[Ice]

The Steelers offense scored 6.4 fewer points a game without suspended WR Martavis Bryant in the lineup over the last two seasons.
The most noticeable split occurred in Bryant's rookie year. After struggling through the first six games, the offense took off once Bryant made his NFL debut. Ben Roethlisberger averaged almost six fewer fantasy points in the nine games he played without Bryant over the last two seasons. The Steelers added help in free agency with Ladarius Green, and sophomore Sammie Coates should be able to help fill the hole left by Bryant. Still, this offense should take a step back without Bryant on the field.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

I think there were probably some other notable absences in several of the games Bryant didn't play, but I get the point they're trying to make.

[K_C_]

Again...no question Bryant is a loss, but as someone else pointed out, the only loss that would be a MASSIVE, MASSIVE BLOW to our Super Bowl hopes is Ben.

People have this idea that our offense cannot function unless it has All Pro players at every offensive skill position.

This is not true. We have enough skill players left to have a fully functional offense that will be plenty good enough to compete for a Lombardi even if we do not have "an All World defense".

In my mind, it actually shows a stunning lack of faith in Ben. "Oh my GOD...unless he has a stud weapon absolutely EVERYWHERE, we're screwed!!!!"

I don't think you get it.

We need every fucking possible offensive weapon (especially a game changer like Bryant) because our defense isn't anything close to elite.

Our defense isn't carrying us ANYFUCKINGPLACE. Our offense is going to have to do that.

Bryant (as the -6.4 pts per game stat pointed out) is a MASSIVE LOSS to a team without an elite defense.

You'll see.

[Legacy User]

Brass Tacks:
Yes, this is a loss for the offense
No it is not critical
Game stats will change, wins and losses will not

[COR-TEN]

I agree. People love Bryant, and he definitely has the physical talent. But the stats don't really mean much considering injuries and opponent quality.

I think it will be a loss, but a minimal one.

Mark my words, come the end of the 2016 season, nobody will miss him.

[jeemie]

Again...no question Bryant is a loss, but as someone else pointed out, the only loss that would be a MASSIVE, MASSIVE BLOW to our Super Bowl hopes is Ben.

People have this idea that our offense cannot function unless it has All Pro players at every offensive skill position.

This is not true. We have enough skill players left to have a fully functional offense that will be plenty good enough to compete for a Lombardi even if we do not have "an All World defense".

In my mind, it actually shows a stunning lack of faith in Ben. "Oh my GOD...unless he has a stud weapon absolutely EVERYWHERE, we're screwed!!!!"

I don't think you get it.

We need every fucking possible offensive weapon (especially a game changer like Bryant) because our defense isn't anything close to elite.

Our defense isn't carrying us ANYFUCKINGPLACE. Our offense is going to have to do that.

Bryant (as the -6.4 pts per game stat pointed out) is a MASSIVE LOSS to a team without an elite defense.

You'll see.

Unless we improve the defense, our offense will not carry us to a Super Bowl no matter how many weapons it has.

Instead of crying over Bryant, improve the defense so we can get by with the offense we have.

PS I also noted that the article noted the greatest points differential with and without Bryant happened in his rookie season.

Last season, the Steelers averaged 24 PPG without Bryant.

They averaged 25 PPG with him.

[K_C_]

Again...no question Bryant is a loss, but as someone else pointed out, the only loss that would be a MASSIVE, MASSIVE BLOW to our Super Bowl hopes is Ben.

People have this idea that our offense cannot function unless it has All Pro players at every offensive skill position.

This is not true. We have enough skill players left to have a fully functional offense that will be plenty good enough to compete for a Lombardi even if we do not have "an All World defense".

In my mind, it actually shows a stunning lack of faith in Ben. "Oh my GOD...unless he has a stud weapon absolutely EVERYWHERE, we're screwed!!!!"

I don't think you get it.

We need every fucking possible offensive weapon (especially a game changer like Bryant) because our defense isn't anything close to elite.

Our defense isn't carrying us ANYFUCKINGPLACE. Our offense is going to have to do that.

Bryant (as the -6.4 pts per game stat pointed out) is a MASSIVE LOSS to a team without an elite defense.

You'll see.

Unless we improve the defense, our offense will not carry us to a Super Bowl no matter how many weapons it has.

Instead of crying over Bryant, improve the defense so we can get by with the offense we have.

PS I also noted that the article noted the greatest points differential with and without Bryant happened in his rookie season.

Last season, the Steelers averaged 24 PPG without Bryant.

They averaged 25 PPG with him.

Yeah, the same guy that had 9 catches for 154 yards against the possibly the best corners in the league, against the soon-to-be World Champions.

Our best deep threat option and a mismatch for anybody to cover.

I'm sure we won't miss him.

[jeemie]

Yeah, the same guy that had 9 catches for 154 yards against the possibly the best corners in the league, against the soon-to-be World Champions.

Our best deep threat option and a mismatch for anybody to cover.

I'm sure we won't miss him.

And we scored a whopping 16 points that game.

And I'm pretty certain I never said we wouldn't miss him.

I said we can be contenders without him.

I realize the subtle but distinct difference between those two positions is too much for the 256k microprocessor you laughingly call your brain. Sorry about that.

[K_C_]

Yeah, the same guy that had 9 catches for 154 yards against the possibly the best corners in the league, against the soon-to-be World Champions.

Our best deep threat option and a mismatch for anybody to cover.

I'm sure we won't miss him.

And we scored a whopping 16 points that game.

And I'm pretty certain I never said we wouldn't miss him.

I said we can be contenders without him.

I realize the subtle but distinct difference between those two positions is too much for the 256k microprocessor you laughingly call your brain. Sorry about that.

Yeah, after the poor bastard was basically tackled in the end zone before the ball got there, a play that should have been a TD or the Steelers ball at the 1.

The refs and Fitzgerald Toussaint made sure the Steelers scored 16 points, not Martavis Bryant.

You blaming the one guy who showed up on offense for us only scoring 16 points really magnifies your stupidity.

Color me shocked.

I'm sure we don't need the guy who makes all world plays like his catch against the Bungles in the playoffs and his game winning fucking jaw dropping play to beat the Arizona Cardinals once Ben went down.

Yeah, I'm sure we'll be fine.



9 for 154 against Denver's defense and he didn't do enough for ya. Okay.

[BethlehemSteel]

Jeemie the hall monitor paints post mortem pictures like Pablo Picasso

[Legacy User]

Entertaining thread.

[JJT07]

Funny - I kind of agree with both points of view.

Nobody can argue losing a talent like Bryant isn't a blow to the offense, and I don't think anyone is trying to make that argument. The divergence of opinions is on the significance of the loss. Some seem to think it is season ending, while others view it as a blip. I think it is somewhere in the middle myself.

We can throw out stats like 6.4 ppg, but only 1ppg last season. But these stats don't take into account other players being out, opponent, etc. We can argue about the Denver game where Bryant went off statistically but we only scored 16 points. Or he is a match up nightmare. All of these things are true.

To me. the addition of Green and the development of Coates coupled with what we hope to be an improved defense should more than outweigh the loss of Martavis. Sure, with Brown, Bryant, Wheaton and Coates this is probably a legendary offense, but Brown Wheaton, Coates and DHB is still good enough for Top 5 in the league in my opinion.

If this team can go 2-2 without Ben Roethlisberger, and go 10-6 with the toughest schedule in the league given all of the major injuries last year.........they can overcome the loss of their #2WR no matter how talented he might be.

I bet we are in the hunt come January 2017.

[Legacy User]

It's a loss, but we are still a contender.

[Jobu]

It's not about losing Bryant...nor replacing him. It's replacing his production. Coates can be that guy. He doesn't have to be Martavis Bryant....just Sammie Coates. The Steelers will be fine!

[955876]

For me, it isn't the initial loss of Bryant that does the most damage.

It's what happens to the offense if/when injuries occur where his loss will be felt most IMO.

Lose Brown for a few games and you could have weathered that storm with Bryant, Wheaton, Coates, and DHB.

That situation presents itself now and you might be in trouble with Wheaton, Coates, and DHB.

Hopefully a darkhorse candidate emerges to at least provide quality depth.

[Legacy User]

For me, it isn't the initial loss of Bryant that does the most damage.

It's what happens to the offense if/when injuries occur where his loss will be felt most IMO.

Lose Brown for a few games and you could have weathered that storm with Bryant, Wheaton, Coates, and DHB.

That situation presents itself now and you might be in trouble with Wheaton, Coates, and DHB.

Hopefully a darkhorse candidate emerges to at least provide quality depth.

Please don't forget LeVeon Bell. If he stays healthy then our offense is still legendary without Bryant. Coates and Green together equal Bryant. Plus the Oline with Pounce will be much more consistent. We'll see.

[bradshaw2ben]

Truly, you could line up with AB-Coates-Green- Bell 4 wide with Deangelo Williams in the backfield and just slay teams in the pass game.

To me, it hinges on the creativity and broad strokes of the person running the offense-- losing Bryant makes the OC's job more crucial than before. Bryant is a 1 on 1 nightmare; it's easy to get him free and get him the ball. Now, the OC will have to earn his keep in a significantly more difficult way.