The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fortunate to have one of the top-ten most complete tight ends in the NFL for close to the last decade in Heath Miller. (In my opinion of course). Miller has already pretty much solidified himself as the greatest tight end in Pittsburgh Steelers' history (again IMO) but for the first time in his career; will be missing some serious game time. Miller is going to be out for about the first month of the 2013 NFL season.
The Steelers and their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rely heavily on the Miller in their passing game.Miller has finished either second or third in receptions on the team since the 2009 season. Not only that, but Miller is also one of the better blocking tight ends in the league. He's a Pro-Bowler caliber player that is really irreplaceable on this team.
Most teams are utilizing two-tight end sets in their passing games in today's NFL. The Steelers haven't really caught on to this idea yet. In fact, until Miller was drafted they really weren't up to date with having any tight end be involved in the passing game on a consistent basis.
The Steelers brought in Matt Spaeth, who I don't think is very good, but "knows the system" to be the second tight end. Well, even if that was going to be true, Spaeth is now out for 8-10 weeks because of foot surgery. David Johnson, another guy that "knows the system" could step up but he's also injured and is currently on the PUP list.
The starter for now is David Paulson. Yikes. Paulson looks abysmal in the preseason opener in every aspect of the game. If I were a betting man I'd say he probably had trouble getting his pads on correctly. Paulson has experience, catching seven passes a year ago for 51 yards. The Steelers are in a world of hurt with Paulson as their starting tight end.
Behind Paulson the Steelers have a bunch of guys no one has ever heard of. Including but not limited to Jamie McCoy (Zero career catches), Nathan Overbay (Zero career catches), Peter Tuitupou (Undrafted rookie) and Michael Palmer who actually has three career touchdowns.
Get well soon Heath.
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