Time to Part With Dri Archer With Bell Coming Back

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It’s always a bitter pill when you have to let a high draft pick go. It signals several different things and none of them are good. With Le’Veon Bell returning to the Steelers today, the front office must cut loose a current player on the roster in order to stay at the 53-man level. While I’ve heard some calls for Roosevelt Nix, I think it’s time to finally admit that Dri Archer wasn’t what they thought was.

Through the first two games, Archer has returned one kick for a total of 22 yards. His action yesterday against the 49ers involved him turning around to see the kickoff sail over his head. He has yet to get a carry or receive a pass offensively.

The decision in my opinion is made easier by the fact that DeAngelo Williams has clearly put his stamp on the number two job while Jordan Todman should serve as the three and a kick returner. Frankly I’m surprised that Todman hasn’t been returning kicks yet but perhaps Mike Tomlin is just trying to find something for Archer to do.

In Todman’s one and only carry as a Steeler yesterday he pounded his way to an 11-yard gain. Correct me if I’m wrong but Archer hasn’t done that in his career has he?

For a long time I always felt that Archer could be used in a certain way offensively but if he hasn’t been utilized to this point then I just don’t see it happening period. At the end of the day, I think the Steelers should value Nix more. He’s capable of being a devastating lead blocker, can catch if needed out of the backfield and has already proven to be more valuable than Archer on special teams.

Throw in the fact that Will Johnson seems to be embracing his role as a “do-everything” guy too and that tells me the time is near for Archer to be released. Taking him in the third round was a mistake and sometimes owning up to that error is as important as anything else.

 

3 COMMENTS

  1. I can’t remember exactly when it was in the game yesterday, because we kicked off a lot…

    But on one kickoff Roosevelt Nix came barreling down the field and just leveled the lead man blocking for the Niners kick returner. It was the type of hustle and violence you want on special teams, and he contributed way more than Dri.

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