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WR Holmes knows Steelers favors run game
By John Harris, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, July 26, 2009
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_635343.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 35343.html[/url]
Santonio Holmes is still seeking his first 1,000-yard receiving season in the NFL. More catches wouldn't hurt, either.
Holmes was matter-of-fact when discussing his goals for the 2009 season, and how he thinks he fits in the Steelers' offense.
While optimistic about being on track to have his best NFL season, Holmes said he has only so much leeway in the team's run-oriented attack.
"Everybody runs different systems in their offense," he said. "Our system happens to be run first. So we have to take the punches when they come, be able to deliver when they throw us the ball."
Holmes, who is concluding his workouts at Disney's Wide World of Sports in preparation for the opening of training camp on Friday, has gained weight this offseason in anticipation of facing more double teams.
He caught nine passes for 131 yards and the game-winning touchdown against Arizona in Super Bowl XLIII, earning MVP honors. He was the Steelers' top playmaker in the postseason overall, scoring a touchdown in each playoff game.
Holmes, who also finished second on the team in receptions (55), receiving yards (821) and touchdown receptions (five) during the regular season, said he is learning to be more patient.
"I can only do so much with the opportunities the coaches give me,'' he said. "I've got to continue to have that trust from my quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger), that he can trust me to get that ball to me. And no matter what kind of coverage, I'm going to perform the way I'm supposed to.
"The more opportunities I get from the coaches to touch the ball — to do punt returns, whatever it is — I think that will definitely dictate how well my season goes.''
Given his strong finish last season, Holmes appears ready to take his place among the league's elite receivers. However, he cautioned against making predictions.
Holmes is aware that veteran Hines Ward led the Steelers in receptions (82), yards (1,047) and touchdown receptions (seven) last season, and that tight end Heath Miller added 48 catches for 514 yards and three touchdowns.
Holmes is also aware that no matter how much he wants to be featured in the passing game, there are other players in the offense who also need the football.
"We've definitely got to spread the ball around to our playmakers," he said. "(The receivers have to) make the best of those 15-20 opportunities that we get — myself, Hines and Heath.
"Hopefully, when the opportunities come to me, I'll make the best of them."
By John Harris, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, July 26, 2009
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_635343.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 35343.html[/url]
Santonio Holmes is still seeking his first 1,000-yard receiving season in the NFL. More catches wouldn't hurt, either.
Holmes was matter-of-fact when discussing his goals for the 2009 season, and how he thinks he fits in the Steelers' offense.
While optimistic about being on track to have his best NFL season, Holmes said he has only so much leeway in the team's run-oriented attack.
"Everybody runs different systems in their offense," he said. "Our system happens to be run first. So we have to take the punches when they come, be able to deliver when they throw us the ball."
Holmes, who is concluding his workouts at Disney's Wide World of Sports in preparation for the opening of training camp on Friday, has gained weight this offseason in anticipation of facing more double teams.
He caught nine passes for 131 yards and the game-winning touchdown against Arizona in Super Bowl XLIII, earning MVP honors. He was the Steelers' top playmaker in the postseason overall, scoring a touchdown in each playoff game.
Holmes, who also finished second on the team in receptions (55), receiving yards (821) and touchdown receptions (five) during the regular season, said he is learning to be more patient.
"I can only do so much with the opportunities the coaches give me,'' he said. "I've got to continue to have that trust from my quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger), that he can trust me to get that ball to me. And no matter what kind of coverage, I'm going to perform the way I'm supposed to.
"The more opportunities I get from the coaches to touch the ball — to do punt returns, whatever it is — I think that will definitely dictate how well my season goes.''
Given his strong finish last season, Holmes appears ready to take his place among the league's elite receivers. However, he cautioned against making predictions.
Holmes is aware that veteran Hines Ward led the Steelers in receptions (82), yards (1,047) and touchdown receptions (seven) last season, and that tight end Heath Miller added 48 catches for 514 yards and three touchdowns.
Holmes is also aware that no matter how much he wants to be featured in the passing game, there are other players in the offense who also need the football.
"We've definitely got to spread the ball around to our playmakers," he said. "(The receivers have to) make the best of those 15-20 opportunities that we get — myself, Hines and Heath.
"Hopefully, when the opportunities come to me, I'll make the best of them."
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