Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

[Slapstick]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

Again, there won't be any team that gives Hines more than veteran minimum...

I shouldn't say that...there is always a possibility...

We're in an era where Randy Moss gets traded and then cut...

Derrick Mason gets traded and then retires...

Hines just has to decide what is important:

Playing WR for a bottom feeder (for veteran minumum) with zero SB opportunity

or

Playing another season (for veteran minimum) and retiring as a Steeler

Take a cue from Cotchery, Hines!

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

Hines Ward Didn't Get Enough Opportunities this Season

by Michael Bean on Jan 13, 2012



After the Pittsburgh Steelers were bounced from this year's playoffs by the Denver Broncos last Sunday afternoon, speculation immediately began about Hines Ward. Was he going to retire? Had he played his last game in a Steelers uniform? Ward insists that he is not retiring, and he's made it clear that he understands the need to restructure his contract in order to return for his 15th season in Pittsburgh.

Even so, some wonder if the Steelers should bring him back. At 34 years old, Ward is definitely in the twilight of his career, but I don't think anything about this season necessarily suggests he can't still play. Ward finished the season with 46 catches for 381 yards and 2 TDs. His 8.3 yards per reception were the lowest of his NFL career. However, Ward caught an impressive 73 percent of the passes thrown his way. His catch rate was easily the highest amongst Steelers wide receivers. Mike Wallace's catch rate was 63 percent, 56 percent for Antonio Brown, while Emmanuel Sanders only hauled in 51 percent of the passes thrown his way.

I'd need to go back and watch the tapes again, but obviously a healthy percentage of Ward's 46 receptions came in the form of bubble screens. And yes, I was as frustrated by those play calls at times as you were. But the fact of the matter is those plays are essentially an extension of the running game, and some of the few plays where Roethlisberger wasn't in regularly under pressure or sacked frequently. In fact, I'd guess that he was never sacked on those types of quick-hitting horizontal passing plays.

More on this after re-watching the games and isolating Ward's receptions, but to me, the numbers are pretty clear. Ward was still a viable offensive weapon when his number was called. Three out of four times that the ball was thrown his way, Ward made the catch. And on average, those connections went for just over 8 yards per pop. Not staggering productivity by any stretch of the imagination, but for a team that struggled to protect the quarterback or run the ball consistently, perhaps it would have behooved Bruce Arians and Big Ben to utilize Ward more regularly, even at the expense of the spectacular, big play down the field.

Obviously Ward can't be targeted too much for the simple reason that he's not able to create enough separation on many routes down the field. But Ward knows he can still work the soft spot of zones and use his savvy to get a half step on defensive backs in the short passing game. Again, it may not be spectacular, but it would help keep Big Ben upright and healthy, the chains moving at a more steady clip, and presumably help the defense by shortening the game slightly and minimizing the veteran group's exposure to wear and tear over the course of a long season.

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/1/13/2705321/hines-ward-stats-pittsburgh-steelers-ben-roethlisberger"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... hlisberger[/url]

[Shoe]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

Hines Ward Didn't Get Enough Opportunities this Season

by Michael Bean on Jan 13, 2012



After the Pittsburgh Steelers were bounced from this year's playoffs by the Denver Broncos last Sunday afternoon, speculation immediately began about Hines Ward. Was he going to retire? Had he played his last game in a Steelers uniform? Ward insists that he is not retiring, and he's made it clear that he understands the need to restructure his contract in order to return for his 15th season in Pittsburgh.

Even so, some wonder if the Steelers should bring him back. At 34 years old, Ward is definitely in the twilight of his career, but I don't think anything about this season necessarily suggests he can't still play. Ward finished the season with 46 catches for 381 yards and 2 TDs. His 8.3 yards per reception were the lowest of his NFL career. However, Ward caught an impressive 73 percent of the passes thrown his way. His catch rate was easily the highest amongst Steelers wide receivers. Mike Wallace's catch rate was 63 percent, 56 percent for Antonio Brown, while Emmanuel Sanders only hauled in 51 percent of the passes thrown his way.

I'd need to go back and watch the tapes again, but obviously a healthy percentage of Ward's 46 receptions came in the form of bubble screens. And yes, I was as frustrated by those play calls at times as you were. But the fact of the matter is those plays are essentially an extension of the running game, and some of the few plays where Roethlisberger wasn't in regularly under pressure or sacked frequently. In fact, I'd guess that he was never sacked on those types of quick-hitting horizontal passing plays.

More on this after re-watching the games and isolating Ward's receptions, but to me, the numbers are pretty clear. Ward was still a viable offensive weapon when his number was called. Three out of four times that the ball was thrown his way, Ward made the catch. And on average, those connections went for just over 8 yards per pop. Not staggering productivity by any stretch of the imagination, but for a team that struggled to protect the quarterback or run the ball consistently, perhaps it would have behooved Bruce Arians and Big Ben to utilize Ward more regularly, even at the expense of the spectacular, big play down the field.

Obviously Ward can't be targeted too much for the simple reason that he's not able to create enough separation on many routes down the field. But Ward knows he can still work the soft spot of zones and use his savvy to get a half step on defensive backs in the short passing game. Again, it may not be spectacular, but it would help keep Big Ben upright and healthy, the chains moving at a more steady clip, and presumably help the defense by shortening the game slightly and minimizing the veteran group's exposure to wear and tear over the course of a long season.

[url="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2012/1/13/2705321/hines-ward-stats-pittsburgh-steelers-ben-roethlisberger"]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/20 ... hlisberger[/url]

Who is this moron Michael Bean?
To cite how he caught 75% of the balls thrown his way, and say "yes, I understand many were bubble screens", shows that 75% stat is meaningless! Also, citing a WR with an 8 YPC is retarded.

Hines is my all-time 1a/1b Steeler (with 95). But this seems like a publicity measure (to say what he said to the media). Unless he takes the vet minimum.

[Snatch98]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

First off I haven't read the entire thread so if what I'm about to say was already mentioned I apologize. Hines Ward is a great leader and locker room guy. He's still also one hell of a blocker. I understand he'll rarely see the field but I still believe there is room for him on the team if he takes a significant pay cut. He'll play one more season and hang them up in my opinion. If he's looking for more than a one year deal I'm not sure how I feel about it. Who knows maybe if he hangs them up they can take him on as a coach/consultant. I'd HATE to see the guy in another uniform.

[feltdizz]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

I'd hate to see Hines in another uni but I would hate it even more to see a young WR in another uni teaing it up while Hines is on the bench.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

Again, there won't be any team that gives Hines more than veteran minimum...

I shouldn't say that...there is always a possibility...

We're in an era where Randy Moss gets traded and then cut...

Derrick Mason gets traded and then retires...

Hines just has to decide what is important:

Playing WR for a bottom feeder (for veteran minumum) with zero SB opportunity

or

Playing another season (for veteran minimum) and retiring as a Steeler

Take a cue from Cotchery, Hines!

I would hope he does. I am not so sure that simply retiring a Steeler will be #1 priority for him. It is his the love of the game and the fact that he still wants to "play" that is driving him to come back. We all know how the system works. His agent will do his "hypothetical" homework and relay the information to Ward. Ward will know what he can get. He will have his number and playing time in his head. He may have a figure for 2 years at 1.5 with signing bonus that would be in the 2 mil for 2012 with a #3 WR opportunity. That is a very realistic number if you look at Mason. Ward & the Steelers could end up being $500,000 apart but the real determining factor will be the playing time he thinks he could get somewhere else. A healthy WR core and Cotchery departing puts Ward at best #4 on the depth chart. When you get that far down your gameday active status is in jeopardy because Ward isn't playing ST. I think Battle & Allen will be cap cuts and they will be looking for ST bodies. It is difficult for me to believe that Ward finds his role here for 2012 appealing. It is equally difficult for me to believe the Steelers would like or even could afford having 2 mil sitting on the bench gameday or accounting for 20 catches given the cap situation and with young players in line for new deals. It will bring a tear to my eye to see him leave...But it would also bring a tear to my eye to hear he agrees to stay here for a vet min renego plus his signing bonus. If he does that, that is a higher pedestal I will put him on.

[Oviedo]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

Again, there won't be any team that gives Hines more than veteran minimum...

I shouldn't say that...there is always a possibility...

We're in an era where Randy Moss gets traded and then cut...

Derrick Mason gets traded and then retires...

Hines just has to decide what is important:

Playing WR for a bottom feeder (for veteran minumum) with zero SB opportunity

or

Playing another season (for veteran minimum) and retiring as a Steeler

Take a cue from Cotchery, Hines!

I would hope he does. I am not so sure that simply retiring a Steeler will be #1 priority for him. It is his the love of the game and the fact that he still wants to "play" that is driving him to come back. We all know how the system works. His agent will do his "hypothetical" homework and relay the information to Ward. Ward will know what he can get. He will have his number and playing time in his head. He may have a figure for 2 years at 1.5 with signing bonus that would be in the 2 mil for 2012 with a #3 WR opportunity. That is a very realistic number if you look at Mason. Ward & the Steelers could end up being $500,000 apart but the real determining factor will be the playing time he thinks he could get somewhere else. A healthy WR core and Cotchery departing puts Ward at best #4 on the depth chart. When you get that far down your gameday active status is in jeopardy because Ward isn't playing ST. I think Battle & Allen will be cap cuts and they will be looking for ST bodies. It is difficult for me to believe that Ward finds his role here for 2012 appealing. It is equally difficult for me to believe the Steelers would like or even could afford having 2 mil sitting on the bench gameday or accounting for 20 catches given the cap situation and with young players in line for new deals. It will bring a tear to my eye to see him leave...But it would also bring a tear to my eye to hear he agrees to stay here for a vet min renego plus his signing bonus. If he does that, that is a higher pedestal I will put him on.

Hines will make the biggest mistake of his life going to a team desperate for another WR because that team will likely be a bad one. He needs to talk to Franco Harris.

[Shoe]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

But it would also bring a tear to my eye to hear he agrees to stay here for a vet min renego plus his signing bonus. If he does that, that is a higher pedestal I will put him on.

As if he needs to do anything more to cement his status, but you are RIGHT. The way he's always representing, he treats the game JUST LIKE the fans. In an era of pro sports when everyone is buddy-buddy, he keeps hated opponents (i.e. Ravens) at a healthy distance, etc.

If he were to make this gesture, it would cement him with a spot alongside the 70's Steelers, etc. where he already is anyway.

[SS Laser]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

But it would also bring a tear to my eye to hear he agrees to stay here for a vet min renego plus his signing bonus. If he does that, that is a higher pedestal I will put him on.

As if he needs to do anything more to cement his status, but you are RIGHT. The way he's always representing, he treats the game JUST LIKE the fans. In an era of pro sports when everyone is buddy-buddy, he keeps hated opponents (i.e. Ravens) at a healthy distance, etc.

If he were to make this gesture, it would cement him with a spot alongside the 70's Steelers, etc. where he already is anyway.

He will do what the Bus did. Will be a steeler in 2012 and make plays for us. Even if it is blocking.

Also I seen he was or will be on a NFL network show. Have to look into that more.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

[quote=SS Laser]

But it would also bring a tear to my eye to hear he agrees to stay here for a vet min renego plus his signing bonus. If he does that, that is a higher pedestal I will put him on.

As if he needs to do anything more to cement his status, but you are RIGHT. The way he's always representing, he treats the game JUST LIKE the fans. In an era of pro sports when everyone is buddy-buddy, he keeps hated opponents (i.e. Ravens) at a healthy distance, etc.

If he were to make this gesture, it would cement him with a spot alongside the 70's Steelers, etc. where he already is anyway.

He will do what the Bus did. Will be a steeler in 2012 and make plays for us. Even if it is blocking.

Also I seen he was or will be on a NFL network show. Have to look into that more.[/quote:2ubx3fm3]

But you guys know what I'm talking about. If he leaves...We all know why and that wouldn't change what he did here. But if he does the "Bettis" route...I will hold him in the same regard as Bettis. Bettis was a little different because he didn't have a ring but there is just something special about the profesional athlete who makes a move to show all heart & no ego. All heart & no ego is the Steeler's name.

[SS Laser]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

Some Ward for ya.

[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d82611e70/Hines-Ward-on-dealing-with-Tebowmania"]http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-t ... Tebowmania[/url]

[Shoe]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

[quote=JUST-PLAIN-NASTY][quote="SS Laser":2sr4bf6l]

But it would also bring a tear to my eye to hear he agrees to stay here for a vet min renego plus his signing bonus. If he does that, that is a higher pedestal I will put him on.

As if he needs to do anything more to cement his status, but you are RIGHT. The way he's always representing, he treats the game JUST LIKE the fans. In an era of pro sports when everyone is buddy-buddy, he keeps hated opponents (i.e. Ravens) at a healthy distance, etc.

If he were to make this gesture, it would cement him with a spot alongside the 70's Steelers, etc. where he already is anyway.

He will do what the Bus did. Will be a steeler in 2012 and make plays for us. Even if it is blocking.

Also I seen he was or will be on a NFL network show. Have to look into that more.[/quote:2sr4bf6l]

But you guys know what I'm talking about. If he leaves...We all know why and that wouldn't change what he did here. But if he does the "Bettis" route...I will hold him in the same regard as Bettis. Bettis was a little different because he didn't have a ring but there is just something special about the profesional athlete who makes a move to show all heart & no ego. All heart & no ego is the Steeler's name.[/quote:2sr4bf6l]

Absolutely!
As I said, he is my 2nd/1st favorite Steeler. So he can't really go higher on my "pedestal". Having said that, after reading this original article, my first or second thought was that this was a play in the media, to curry favor and put the onus on the team so that when he does go, it'll look like he wanted to stay when there was really no chance of him staying.

But if he were to take a real paycut in an effort to "remain a Steeler", I agree. It would be an unquestionable gesture. I'm jaded, so even with Hines, I don't see it happening. But what do I know.

[SS Laser]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

I also think Ward will be on NFL Networks show No Huddle this wednesday at 10pm. But I can not confirm because I suck searching the NFL website or the website sucks!

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

I can't see any team giving Hines much more than the vet min. All that another team can offer is the chance to fight for a starting spot in camp - I can't see any team just handing him one.

The question is do we offer him a contract to start the season as the #4 or 5 or do we decide that it time to move on? Based on the fact that he never whined about being dropped way down the list this season, and because he is the type of good teammate who will help the kids when needed, I can see him getting the offer to return.

Although, I think that I would rather watch him hang 'em up and have a Hines Ward day with a nice pre-game ceremony sometime next season.

[Slapstick]

Re: Ward Willing to Take Pay Cut

Hines could renegotiate his salary into NLTBE (Not Likely To Be Earned) incentives...that way, Hines could conceivably earn his scheduled salary and the cap hit would be put off until next year...

Given Sanders' injury history, this could be the best deal Hines can get. I don't think he ever came back 100% after his injury this year...