It Could Be Go Time for The Outlaw!

With Miller dealing with a rib issue that could prevent him from facing Indianapolis (6-5) on Sunday, James could be in line for his first start. James figures anything he can contribute is a direct result of Miller and Spaeth's mentorship.

''Heath helps me every step of the way,'' James said. ''They both helped prepare me. I learn a lot just by watching them and the way they go about the week.''

Particularly in the film room, where Miller and Spaeth's exhaustive attention to detail was an eye opener.

''They really take a lot of time going over their notes and talking through different looks and different game-plan things,'' James said.



http://sports.yahoo.com/news/rookie-tight-end-james-taking-larger-role-steelers-230622472--nfl.html

 

I was so mesmerized by your cool festive avatar that I almost forgot what the topic was. It would be super if James could be the diamond in the rough and approach the greatness of a Mark Bruehner or Heath Miller. Time will only tell if he can take the pounding of critical catches over the middle or rack up meaningful YAC as two of his predecessors managed to do over long careers. Last week was in fact very hard on TE's as Miller, Graham and Gronk all went down after each having very successful 1st halves.

 

I like the kid and think that he may be a Heath in the making. That would please me!

 

I was a fan of the pick so I am happy to see JJ getting some time of late. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best for Heath, but it is nice to know JJ has 2 good guys to learn from.

 

He's equipped himself well so far, and I'm excited to see what he can do.

Funny, I never had Spaeth down as a mentor figure, but shows what I know...

 

I hope Spaeth also starts exercising his special powers to keep Martavis out of trouble. Sorta like a really cool camp counselor or something. Maybe that's what his role should be at training camp is that he teaches our troubled guys how to deal with their problems by making s'mores and singing campfire songs. Spaeth for Training Camp Counselor! LOL!

 

Love the attitude, and the article reaffirmed that Heath Miller should have his DNA cloned and patented as 100% pure Steeler

 

Lady Steel that's a great avatar!

I was critical early of Jesse James. He has earned respect and looks to be a possible heir apparent to the Man, Heath Miller. And learning from one of the best!

 

Let's go outlaw! Yeah, I wish we could bottle Heaths greatness and force feed it to the team. Man he's a special guy

 

I'm also excited about this kid & what he can do.
I just hope the people goin' to the game realize it's the outlaw & stop yelling, "Heeeeaaaattthh" every time this kid gets the ball.

 

I would think it would be the best compliment one could give.

 

Thanks, guys, for your kind words about my avatar. I figured we needed to decorate a bit for Christmas around here, and decided to go with some old school Christmas lights this week. We needed some bright colors. It was a little bit too gray here.

I'm happy with Spaeth helping to mentor Jesse, as long as he's not teaching him to urinate in parking lots.

 

I've noticed that, too. It's like peeps only see a big lumbering white guy with an "8" on his jersey and automatically think it's Heath.

 

Certainly

Believe me, I love Heath but I've been very excited about this new kid. Despite playing limited snaps Jesse has been terrific. Taking on a much larger role should be very interesting.

 

Jesse "bang bang" James is starting to show what he has learned in the film room .....on the field

 

I just can't resist.........

 

If he gets a TD today, that would be hilarious to have this played on the screen!

 

Jesse James did something that impressed me and I am sure that most people didn't even see it. Anyone who has been on the boards a long time will know one of the things I love and miss is a solid lead blocking fullback like Dan Krieder and was never a fan of multi-role guys or these hybrid TE/Hback as lead blocker type deals. I was very against David Johnson as the lead blocker while playing TE.

One of the plays I used to highlight why I was against it was a run play against the Panthers several years ago. The Steelers lined up with a two TE set with Miller on the left side and Johnson on the right. Johnson goes in motion and settles in as the FB in a offset I formation. At the snap Miller goes across the back of the defensive line to seal the inside backer,, Johnson is suppose to clear the hole between the LT and the guard and then seal the outside backer allowing Mendenhall to hit the lane and move to the secondary where he has the more favorable matchup. Didn't happen. Johnson blows through the line without finding anyone to block and runs into Miller before be has time to seasl the inside, he then proceeds to help Miller(who doesn't need help) and leaves the outside Lber unaccounted for who then flows to the hole to meet mendenhall and the play fails to gain three yards.

Last night saw a similar running play from a 2 TE set with Spaeth and James in as TE's. This is why James stands out as a special player and when I read that he is absoerbing everything he can from Miller and Spaeth and learning from them I know it is true. On this play James is on the right, and Spaeth on the left. James goes in motion and when the ball is snapped he is suppose to follow Spaeth and seal the outside while Spaeth seals the inside. Spaeth whiffs on his block but has the presence of mind to not over compensate or overreact because he knows James is following and can pick up the block. At this moment James has two options block the inside backer who is close to the LOS or follow his assignment and block the outside, sealing the lane but allowing the play to be stopped because Spaeth's man got by him. He chose to put a shoulder into Spaeth's man and pin him to the line and off DWill, this allowed Williams to bounce the play outside and gain positive yardage instead of being dropped for minimal gain. Heck of a play for a rookie to make and shows that he is learning what is being taught and is working to become a well rounded player. It also speaks to the trust level of Spaeth to know that James will make the right read.

 

I will take the unassuming, modest hard working style of Heath Miller any day of the week. I really think we got one like Heath with JJ boy and girls. Prepare to get very excited.

 

i caught that too thorn. spaeth went down and james made a great seal block. they missed heath but the kid is coming on. spaeth could end up the odd man out going forward.

 

Too many JJ's on the team. Just get rid of one of them, and the other two I can deal with.

(Jarvis Jones / Jesse James / Jacoby Jones ) Not sure if I missed anybody else.

 

Am I the only one that thinks of this?

 

Your right and from here on out Jacoby Jones will now be called......POS! lol