Visit NFL from the sidelines on the new Observer-Reporter site: http://www.observer-reporter.com/section/BLOGS08

Thursday, June 05, 2014

A quick interview with Heath Miller

Caught up with Steelers tight end Heath Miller this week during the team's second week of OTAs. Here's what he had to say:

Q: Does it feel good to actually be out here this year?

A: Yeah, certainly. It's always good to do what you're here for, which is to play football. We're all out here laying the groundwork for this season.

Q: There's a lot missing from last year in terms of receptions. How do you pick up the slack for that?

A: There are capable guys on our team and it's going to be fun to see the guys out here working. We've got a good group. It just comes down to how the reps are going to be split up and who's going to be on the field. I have no doubt whoever is going to be out there is going to be more than capable.

Q: Do you feel like you're now 100 percent, completely healthy, with no thoughts whatsoever about your knee?

A: Yeah, I feel good. This process is good for me because I missed it last year. It's good to run around.

Q: What did think of the no huddle?

A: It's good. We're getting a lot of work with it. We're going to continue with it. The last period is good for it. We're tired and we can take the defense and make them tired. It can be a weapon for us.

Q: What did you think of Ben, the way he was reacting out there?

A: He's obviously very comfortable with the no-huddle. He always has been. I think it's going to be good for us, but we all have to be on the same page. Ben likes to do that. He likes to make the calls with the ball in his hands. He's been good at it and I think we can be good at it if we're all on the same page.

Q: He looked less than pleased with the results?

A: I don't know. We'll take a look at it. Like I said, this is the first steps for it. I'm sure this will be the most we've worked on it in the spring, so it will be good for us.

Q: Is that because of all the new faces, you have to put in the extra work with it this year?

A: Certainly. I think it's important to be on the field with him, hearing his calls and knowing what he likes in certain situations. Also, if we can do it within a variety of looks, it will be better, too.

Q: How do you think that will hash out as you move on? Do you think in training camp you'll do a lot more of that kind of stuff than before?

A: I don't know. Time will tell. A lot will depend on how quickly we pick it up as an offense. I think if we can, it can be a good weapon for us. But we have to have 11 guys on the same page, operating in the same manner. That's not an easy thing to do.

@ The Steelers signed first-round draft pick Ryan Shazier to a four-year contract on Thursday, taking advantage of their newfound cap space from their release of LaMarr Woodley.

5 comments:

pennstump said...

Could they have signed him to a 5-year contract?

Anonymous said...

1st rounders get a 4yr with 5th year option if I recall correctly.

pennstump said...

Per the PG, "All drafted rookies are required to sign four-year contracts with the exception of first-rounders, who are subject to a fifth-year club option."

Anonymous said...

Heeeaaath!

Dale Lolley said...

Correct on the contract. Like they did with Heyward this year, the club has the option to pick up the fifth season. But the money is guaranteed. It was part of the new CBA that also included first-round slotting.