Let’s face it, Heath Miller might have been the only bright spot last Thursday night against the Eagles. He had 5 receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. With Miller being fully healthy could he be the x-factor for the offense this year that will take him to the next level? With all the speed that the Steelers drafted and the possible development of Markus Wheaton, the offense should have more weapons at Big Ben’s disposal, but his relationship with Miller is arguably the best on the team and if this offense is going to be at its best, they will need Heath Miller to be at the top of his game.
In 2012, Heath Miller had a career high in yardage and touchdowns. He had 71 receptions, 816 yards, and 8 touchdowns. In his first year in Todd Haley’s offense, Miller excelled in the short passing game that is a staple in Haley’s offense. Last year Millers production dipped to 58 receptions, 593 yards, and 1 touchdown. Last year he was trying to return to football after tear his ACL in the last game of the 2012 season. Let’s face it, unless your name is Adrian Peterson, you don’t come back from an ACL injury and play anywhere close to what you are usually capable of playing. With most ACL injuries it’s not always how you feel physically when you return to the field but how you feel mentally. Just ask Derrick Rose about the mental side of an ACL injury.
Heath Miller is coming into his 3rd year of Haley’s offense. It is also Ben Roethlisberger’s 3rd year as well. With Miller feeling better than he has in 2 years he should have a possible bounce back year for the Steelers. Not only could he become a huge factor in the Steelers offense but he could also become a sleeper pick at tight end in most fantasy leagues. If Miller were to average what he got in the last preseason game throughout the year, he would finish the year with 80 catches for 848yards and if he matches his touchdown production from 2012, that’s a sure fire weapon for Pittsburgh as well as a red zone target for Big Ben.
