Home Player Spotlight Martavis Bryant already showing Sophomore Success

Martavis Bryant already showing Sophomore Success

by Carlos Azahar

Martavis Bryant was exactly what the Steelers have needed for a while now: a tall, speedy reciever who could blow the top off of opposing defenses. What did we all see during the Steelers vs. Jaguars game? Martavis doing exactly that.

Bryant caught a wide open, 45 yard floater from Ben Roethlisberger to score a touchdown. The cornerback who was covering him, newly signed Jaguar Davon House, stood no chance as he helplessly watched Martavis race to the end zone.

Plays like this should be what we expect from now on. With a year and 2 offseasons under his belt, he is going to have a much larger role now.

What I’ve also noticed is his downfield blocking has improved. During a particular run from Le’veon Bell in the first quarter, he took it 16 yards before being pushed out of bounds. Just before however, Martavis Bryant was visible just ahead. He was all up in his man’s face, not letting him reach Bell.

If Le’veon had gotten past the guy who pushed him out, Bryant had pretty much helped secure a wide open field to the house.

Its very assuring that Bryant can use his size to help with the dirty work. Maybe he’s not at that Hines Ward level of blocking, but he gets it done.

With the success he had during the game its pretty hard to believe that just 2 weeks ago, there was some concern with his elbow. This caused Bryant to go in and get a minor procedure done. He had it taken care of and was back on the practice field a few days after.

Looking forward into the season, Martavis Bryant will have plenty of challenges ahead. His toughest test will likely come against the Seattle Seahawks, where the so called Legion of Boom dwell.

Davon House isn’t Richard Sherman, but hopefully that touchdown pass is a sign of good things to come.

If his health holds up, and if he continues to improve, then we could very well see him beat out Markus Wheaton and form a dynamic duo with Antonio Brown.

These are exciting days to be a Steelers fan, with so many arrows pointing up. This receiving corps is becoming deadly. I understand its still only preseason, but when has that ever stopped someone from being excited?

Stats and info courtesy of NFL.com and Steelers.com

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