The Steelers will miss more than just receptions from Burress (Photo Credit: vader29)
The Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart took another hit as we saw Big Ben’s biggest target Plaxico Burress go down for the season last week with a torn rotator cuff. As we know, Rothlisberger and Burress have a close relationship on and off the field and chemistry goes a long way in team sports.
Burress wasn’t going to play a prominent role in the Steelers offense. He would have been brought in primarily for 3rd down situations and the red zone. Burress, however did bring a couple major intangibles to the table in leadership and experience.
Burress was the second coming of Charlie Batch for the Steelers, a seasoned veteran with a calming presence who has played and excelled in big time situations when the game was on the line. Burress’ skill set is definitely not what it used to be, however his knowledge of the game and vision for the younger players is unmatched.
Plaxico Burress has played in 147 career games, caught 553 receptions for 8,499 yards with 64 touchdowns. Burress ranks 13th among active players in receiving yards and sixth among active players in receiving touchdowns. Those aren’t gawdy numbers by any means, however for the Steelers, to lose that type of experience is pretty considerable when you look at the numbers of remaining players.
Jericho Cotchery has appeared in 129 games with 391 receptions and 22 touchdowns. Antonio Brown has appeared in 38 games with 151 receptions and five touchdowns. Emmanuel Sanders has played in 40 games with 94 receptions and five touchdowns. Beyond these three players, there is no in game experience from other wideouts on the roster.
Plaxico Burress wasn’t exactly going to be vaulted into a major role on the field for the Steelers this year. Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders are going to be the Steelers
every down receivers and that is a duo that looks very familiar to Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El. Jericho Cotchery is a solid possession receiver and Markus Wheaton continues to impress with great hands and quick feet.
At best, Burress was going to be the 4th or 5th wideout option for the Steelers and at the age of 36, Burress was well aware of his role on the team. However, you cannot replace veteran leadership and experience. Hopefully, the Steelers get Heath Miller back sooner rather than later.
