Bryant is Steelers’ top rookie
PITTSBURGH – It took nearly a half-season for Steelers’ rookie wide receiver Martavis Bryant to make an impact.
And what an impact it’s been.
Inactive for the first six games, Bryant immediately emerged as a deep threat when the Steelers finally put him into the lineup Oct. 20 against Houston.
In nine games since, the fourth-round draft pick caught 25 passes for 528 yards and, more importantly, seven touchdowns. For his work this season, Bryant was selected as winner of the Joe Greene Great Performance Award, which is given annually to the Steelers’ top rookie in a vote of the Pittsburgh Chapter for the Pro Football Writers of America, Friday.
The evolution of Bryant from inactive rookie to game-breaking presence is one of the reasons for the Steelers’ success this season. The Steelers (10-5) are 7-2 with Bryant in the lineup and enter Sunday’s game against Cincinnati (10-4-1) at Heinz Field with a chance to win the AFC North for the first time since 2010.
“This is about development and about evolving as the season goes on,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley. “You don’t want to be the team that is one way at the start and stays that way the whole way through the season.
“It’s an evolution and guys growing into their roles and understanding their roles.”
That would be a perfect way to describe Bryant’s season.
The 6-4, speedy wideout continued to work hard and closely watching star receiver Antonio Brown despite being inactive early in the season.
And when he finally got into the lineup, he did so with a splash. His first career reception was a 35-yard touchdown pass against Houston. He since added 100-yard receiving games against the Jets and Bengals. He also scored two touchdowns each in wins over Indianapolis and Baltimore.
“What kept me positive was my life,” said Bryant. “I have always gone through things and overcome it. I just figured it was another thing I had to overcome. I just stay focused and continued to work. Once I got my chance, I just made sure I wouldn’t give it back.”
Bryant is one of several rookies to make contributions for the Steelers this season.
Top pick Ryan Shazier has been limited by knee and ankle injuries but appeared in eight games, making five starts at inside linebacker. He recorded 29 tackles, two quarterback pressures and one pass defense.
Second-round selection Stephon Tuitt played in all 16 games, starting the past three at defensive end. He made 14 tackles, one sack and forced a fumble, that being a critical one last week against Kansas City.
And sixth-round pick Daniel McCullers played in eight games, making one start at nose tackle.
But it’s been Bryant who made the biggest impact among the rookies.
“I am going to just go out and play hard for the team and give great effort,” said Bryant. “If I do that, great things will happen.”
Bryant wasn’t the only award winner, as defensive end Cam Heyward was voted by the Pro Football Writers as recipient of The Chief Award, which is given to the player who is most cooperative with the media. … Safety Troy Polamalu (knee), cornerback Ike Taylor (shoulder/forearm) and tight end Michael Palmer (groin) are questionable to play against the Bengals. Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (back), tight end Matt Spaeth (elbow) and linebacker Vince Williams (ankle) are probable.