James Washington inactive

Today Justin Hunter gave us 2 catches outta 4 targets, plus some awesome blocking. That is more than Washington is giving us....

 

I was thinking about why they would scratch Washington and go with Hunter. And I wonder if they were considering cutting Hunter for if/when Bell comes back. Maybe they needed to see what he has in order to determine if he's worth keeping on the team? Neither player has really shown much, but I can't imagine the team will give up on Washington so soon.

 

But I also think if Washington had those same targets and passes that Ben threw to Hunter, that Washington would of scored a touchdown on that endzone pass to Hunter.

 

The only thing Hunter does well is block and be tall. If the blocking is enough for him to get a hat then fine but I don't expect much from him in the passing game. I guess he can take a guy deep with him thanks to his speed but he just does not look like an NFL WR at this point. I'd rather give Washington the hat.

 

I know it's early...but the Steelers WRs that have become stars have shown something in their rookie years.

I fear this RB we drafted to play WR is approaching B-U-S-

 

Maybe a healthy scratch helps him. Sometimes that helps motivate a younger guy. I don't think he has chemistry as of yet with Ben. With his routes and when Ben throws to him they do not seem on the same page. I do not blame the coaching staff, no one has really show much promise on the 3rd WR position, you have to make changes to see if something works, you can't just keep hoping it will fix itself.

But between Brown, Juju, and Conner is getting much more involved in the passing game. Then throw in Vance McDonald. There is only so many footballs that will go the 3rd WR way.

 

Steelers have only played 7 games and recent history has shown with Bryant and JuJu that it takes 8+ games during the rookie year to start producing. I look for Washington to start contributing vs. Panthers, Jaguars.

 

Seems a bit of a reach to call a first year player a bust. And AB only had 16 rec for 167 yards his rookie year.

 

I wish the broadcast would've shown the replay from another angle, to see if the defender had any of Hunter's back/jersey/pads. Hunter didn't seem to get very far off the ground for that ball.

 

Please stop with the running back at receiver stuff. I get that Washington is built more like a back, but the characterization isn't close to accurate. He was an outstanding receiver at a major Division I program. Maybe he won't pan out in the pros, but your post suggests he's not a true receiver and that simply isn't true.

Also, go back to the start of your post and stop there. It is early. Brown didn't really show that much until the playoffs. It can take a while for a rookie receiver.

 

Is James having issues creating separation? We know he has the hands and ability.

 

Yes. He doesn't have the deep speed or size to separate down the field.

 

Honestly I think the only issue with Washington is the lack of opportunity. If you think about all our other options and his limited snaps it's hard to imagine consistent production. You can't realistically expect him to flourish with so little opportunity. I think if he was given Hunters and Switzers chances he would perform at least as well. Right now he just seems like the odd man out trying to catch a moving train...

 

I was going to post “clearly a bust” in green font. Too late, it seems.

 

You need to get " a head" on some of these threads....

 

I am not seeing how Justin Hunter can get more snaps than Washington. I ,like other folks on this site
feel there is only so many footballs to go around. With Conner catching a boatload and TE's being used more
the targets for the 3rd receiver are just not there.

 

From.pre draft and post draft write ups...Working hard, and trying to get better is not something to worry about...He was /is known as a tireless worker, and a workout Warrior...Has been his whole life, and also a great attitude...

Off the chart numbers in College...Maybe with his height and stature there may be some dropoff from the pro game...But with his 40' vertical and innate ability to fight for contested balls ( was compared to Boldin ) I can't just see him NOT being able to play at this level...

Remember when AB came out, the knock was his stature and long speed...ala Jerry Rice...Idk if I have ever seen AB get caught from behind...

WAY to early for the B word on Washington imo

 

This has everything to do with Hunter as we are not suiting both up. It was said on the broadcast that Hunter was pulled in to the office and said this is his chance. I am wondering if he is trade material or even someone who might get cut when Bell comes back. I feel Washington hasn't gotten a good look yet but man there is only one ball and we can't give it to AB, Conner, Juju and Vance every play. Here is a good read:

Still, despite his lack of targets and early production, expect him to bypass Justin Hunter and earn a bigger role in the second half. Perhaps his breakout will start as soon as next week after being a healthy scratch against Cleveland.

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/29/james-washington-readying-for-second-half-breakout/

 

First off this post is garbage. We’re only seven games into the season and you’re already trying to call a player a bust?
I’m trying to figure out if you really believe most of this nonsense you post or you’re just trying to be a wiseguy?
And why did you change your name from wattwack? Or did you just sneak back in after a ban ?

 

He just likes trolling thesteelersfans. Don't really believe he likes the Steelers

 

IMO JW was a pick for 2019 in mind. We are deep at WR. We need more out of Hunter. he's got the gifts to be a good if not great WR. IMO this is a smart move. JW can learn while Hunter can work on his craft and hopefully break out. To me it looks like all Hunter needs is confidence from him self and Ben. If those two break a couple big plays Ben will start looking his way which will create a nightmare for defenses if they need attention from their safeties. This will free up McDonald and our running game. Defenses are crowding the box and really our only way to exploit this is to find a deep threat.

 

NY I was just stating the OP said that the thread was about Washington.

But your right, it does, because Ben likes him. And as we saw against the clowns he came to play, blocking and making combat catches. I can't believe I just went there with a Tomlinism . Whether he was told to step up or not he produced. Washington has struggled, he is only a rookie. Not everyone can be JuJu. Washington will be fine just needs more time to produce.