Pittsburgh Steelers: 7 Steelers who must play bigger roles in 2013
By Matt Shetler
Plaxico Burress
Dec 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress (80) celebrates a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers lack of quality depth at wide receiver is no secret.
Even if they address the position in the draft, Burress needs to play a bigger role this season.
He may lack the straight line speed that he once had, but Burress can still be a red zone threat.
Burress should see a lot of time in the slot in 2013, where he has the size to be a mismatch for any defender in the league.
He should see the field more often with Wallace out of the picture and needs to put up similar numbers to what Sanders put up last year as the team’s third option.
There’s also the fact that Heath Miller is recovering from ACL surgery, which means they need to find another weapon for Ben Roethlisberger in the red zone. Burress has the size and experience, not to mention the talent to still be a productive target.
The Steelers will need to make sure they use him that way.