Ward demotion not causing distraction

[jonzr]

STEELERS: Hines Ward is taking his demotion from the starting lineup with class, saying he is going to be "the biggest cheerleader because I want to win." He was bumped to the team's No. 4 wide receiver with Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery playing in three receiver sets. "It's not about me," Ward said, via The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "It's about the team." Hensley's slant: Ward is one of the division's most polarizing figures who gets under the opposition's skin when he flashes that smile. It's commendable that he is keeping that smile in what is a tough and humble transition. Like him or not, you have to respect how he refused to be a distraction for the AFC North-leading Steelers.

As expected, no prima donna bs from Ward.

[Big Virgil]

I would really like to see him get 1,000 catches.  He deserves that milestone.

[pensodyssey]

What's he at now?

[jonzr]

He's at 981, Mr. The Species!

[Big Virgil]

2/3 of his catches have been for 1st downs.  Well, almost 2/3 (63%).

Soooo, he needs 3 per game to git-r-done this year as the #4.  Prolly not gonna happen this year.  As sh!tty as Arians play calling is, it wouldn't matter if they ran 2 WR screens to him each game, as well as making him the legitimate target one other time. 

GIT-R-DONE

[Finnegans Wake]

Yeah, he's had 27 in 9 games for 3.0 per on the nut.  So 3 per game from here out is unlikely, especially when Sanders is back. 

But add in some playoff catches...  That 1000th catch would be pretty sweet in the Super Bowl, eh?   

[VaBchSteelersfan]

I have always said that I love me some Hines Ward, the man is a serious class act. Everyone's playing career has to end eventually in the NFL and I do think his days are numbered but I can see Hines following in Franco Harris's footsteps and being one of Pittsburgh's most loved players & biggest cheerleaders, even in 30 years time. My absolute favorite player for the Burgh, ever.