When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Limas Sweed in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL draft, many fans were ecstatic to say the least. The fact that Sweed even fell that far in the draft was a huge surprise. I can remember how happy I was doing my usual draft day ‘Irish Jig” when his name was called.
The fact of the matter though is Sweed’s rookie season was pretty much non-existent. He only had 6 catches for 64 yards and during the AFC championship game Sweed would drop a wide open would-be touchdown pass, then roll around on the ground upset and cost his team their final timeout of the half. He did make up for it with a devastating block on Cory Ivy and a nice 3rd down grab to extend the chains, later that same game.
Though as a Steeler fan I can comfortably say that we aren’t always the easiest going of fans. We’re incredibly loyal, we’ll travel anywhere to take over another’s team stadium and we’re incredibly passionate. But Steelers fans aren’t patient, which is why Limas Sweed has already been declared a bust by some after his rookie season.
But it’s time to take a deep breath and give the second-round pick a break. The reality is that rookie wide receivers are generally awful, and it often takes three seasons before a NFL receiver truly gets it. Sweed clearly hasn’t gotten it yet, as he dropped too many passes during the season and has shown signs that the game right now is too fast for him. But eventually Sweed will catch up to the speed of the game, and when he does the drops will likely go away as well.
That was then, this is now. The day has come for Sweed to earn his keep. With the defection of Nate Washington to the mighty ‘towel stomping’ Titans via free agency, this is Sweed’s time to shine as he is now penciled in as the Steelers #3 wide out. As Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, it’s time to “Under promise and over deliver” Mr. Sweed.
Standing in Sweed’s path to greatness though is recently signed and college teammate of Ben Roethlisberger, Martin Nance, a possible 1st or 2nd round draft pick and Sweed himself. Only he can make the transition. All the coaching and practice can only take him so far.
“I think that’s a big thing,” Sweed said, repeating a refrain often heard by rookie receivers. “When I was out there thinking so much I couldn’t get from point A to point B as fast as I can when I’m not thinking. It’s just thinking too much.”
It’s too early to judge whether Sweed will prosper, but the good news is there is nowhere to go but up for him during his career. Sweed’s the only one who can change his legacy, and the best way to start is with a strong second season.
About the Author Jim McMillen
The Editor & Chief, the brains so to say, behind Pittsburgh Blitz. Jim is a rabid sports fan who just loves his Stillers, Pens and Buccos. Feel free to contact us at steelerguy26[@]yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments or would like to join our staff and write for Pittsburgh Blitz.
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Being a Raider fan I gotta say it. Steelers suck!!!! But I do like Sweed and think he will be a great WR someday.
I have full faith that Sweed will one day be a star in Pittsburgh.