Martavis vs Markus, who will be the #2?

[HarriSon]

I think this a battle that needs to be talked about more. Coming in to the year I assumed it would be Martavis all the way, but Ben has kept saying that Wheaton has emerged. And he keeps drawing the starts in the preseason. I think Martavis tools and ceiling is so much higher than Wheaton's so this surprises me based on how last year ended.

Here's a list of all Big Ben's targets in the preseason: [url]http://walterfootball.com/fantasy/preseasontargets[/url]

I hope this starts to change. What do you guys think?

[Oviedo]

Wheaton is much better than many here give him credit for. Outstanding route runner, excellent hands. IMO Bryant has the "splash" but still work in progress. I think as they try to double and triple AB (good luck with that opponents), we will see Wheaton emerge as the guy who consistently moves the chains with some highlights thrown in by Bryant.

[Ghost]

This is from the first week of August (CBS Sports.com). Ben is saying Wheaton is the #2.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, in an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio over the weekend, predicted that wide receiver Markus Wheaton will be the Steelers' "breakout player of the year."
"I want that. I want him to have that pressure," Roethlisberger said. "When we're in two-wide receivers he's our No. 2 and we're asking him to play outside. When we go three wide receivers, we ask him to move inside. So he's playing multiple positions."


I think Martavius is the home run hitter, but week to week, if Brown is doubled and not open, we'll see Wheaton being the guy who moves the chains.

[flippy]

I hope it's Bryant, but we'll get a lot of 3 WR sets and it won't make a big difference. I just prefer Bryant because of the matchup problems he creates. His size and speed combo will necessitate a double team. Brown's skill necessitates 2.5 in coverage like they had to do with Moss and Steve Smith at their peaks. Take 4.5 players away from the defense and it opens up a million other possibilities. Add in the fact that you really have to commit guys to stop Bell and this O is about ready to take off.

[JDSteeler]

All I know, is that we have a great problem!!

If we are talking about 2 guys being the number 2, then it means they are both that good.

The mind boggling thing is, is that they bring a different skill set, which makes it double trouble for opposing defenses.

The defenses we are playing against must be absolutely besides themselves!!

Looking forward to seeing this offense dominate in 2015!!

JD

[RuthlessBurgher]

Our base O should be 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, and 3 WR's) so it shouldn't really matter. Both are starters.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I was thinking the same thing as Ruthless. What percentage of plays do you think that this O is in a two receiver set? I would go as low as 25%. Of those, I'd also think that there would be a 2:1 split one way or the other between the two. Given this scenario, your number 2 is one the field only 8% of the time more than your number 3.

[Oviedo]

I hope it's Bryant, but we'll get a lot of 3 WR sets and it won't make a big difference. I just prefer Bryant because of the matchup problems he creates. His size and speed combo will necessitate a double team. Brown's skill necessitates 2.5 in coverage like they had to do with Moss and Steve Smith at their peaks. Take 4.5 players away from the defense and it opens up a million other possibilities. Add in the fact that you really have to commit guys to stop Bell and this O is about ready to take off.

I prefer whoever gets the job done regardless of speed or size. Hines Ward never had speed or size and if that is what it takes good for us. The reality is it will likely change week to week and we have the talent to cause fits...yeah for us!

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I prefer whoever gets the job done regardless of speed or size. Hines Ward never had speed or size and if that is what it takes good for us. The reality is it will likely change week to week and we have the talent to cause fits...yeah for us!

True enough. With Brown and Wheaton you have two guys who look similar to Miami's Marks Brothers in the '80s. In Brown and Bryant you have two players similar in stature to Ward and Burress in 2001-2002. I would take that kind of production. However, what neither of those teams had was a #3 similar to what the Steelers will have, nor a pass cathching RB like Bell. So, any way you slice it it looks good for the Steelers this year.

[Slapstick]

In 2014, Ben had 608 pass attempts...of which 425 were from alignments with 3 or 4 WRs...

In 2014, LeVeon Bell had 290 carries, of which 126 were in 3 or 4 WR sets...as well as 59 catches in 3 or 4 WR sets...

That has become our de facto base offense...

[phillyesq]

Our base O should be 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, and 3 WR's) so it shouldn't really matter. Both are starters.

I agree. I'd imagine that both play about 60% of the snaps. The "starter" vs #3 distinction will likely not be too significant. I think both will contribute - Wheaton looks effective out of the slot, much more than he was on the outside. I can see him as an effective slot guy while Bryant is the guy who will take the top off of the defense. Nice mix of weapons.

[feltdizz]

Wheaton still runs crisper routes and has better hands

[Ghost]

Wheaton still runs crisper routes and has better hands

whatever dog hater. Oh... wait... sorry, wrong thread...

[phillyesq]

Wheaton still runs crisper routes and has better hands

Both statements are true. Unfortunately, Wheaton can't separate the way that Bryant can.

[Oviedo]

Both statements are true. Unfortunately, Wheaton can't separate the way that Bryant can.

I would disagree. I think Wheaton may not be as fast as Bryant but I think he gets excellent separation through great route running and a great ability to identify holes in coverage. Or it could be I just like disagreeing with you Seriously though watch Wheaton and how he gets a step on coverage coming out of his breaks. He is excellent at it.