Is it time to 86 Hines Ward? (Xtreme Commentary)

Is it time to 86 Hines Ward?

By Wallace 108
SteelersXtreme.com

Should Hines Ward be in the Hall of Fame? That’s a question I’ve heard numerous times over the years. But this week, a new question has arisen … should Hines Ward be in the starting lineup?

Before last Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, that wouldn’t have been an easy question to answer. But seeing how well Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery played in Ward’s place, the answer became a little more obvious.

After taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Ray Lewis the previous week, Ward was replaced in the starting lineup by Brown, who caught 5 passes for 86 yards against the Bengals. Ward caught 1 pass for 4 yards and then was pulled from the game. Having already been replaced in the starting lineup, Ward was then replaced in three-receiver sets by Cotchery, who ended the game with 2 receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. A second touchdown was called back because of a penalty on Heath Miller.

When asked about Ward being benched and his future role with the team, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin didn’t give much insight. “It may not be any indication of his participation moving forward. It’s just an indication of his participation today,” Tomlin said after Sunday’s game. Tomlin gave the only answer he could give. Putting Ward on the bench couldn’t have been an easy decision. And whether to keep him there will be an even harder decision.

Ward is the most prolific receiver in Steelers history, holding the team records in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns. And he’s a Super Bowl MVP. But Ward’s legendary status goes way beyond statistics. Ward is the embodiment of what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. He was a receiver who played with a linebacker mentality. He was just as happy to make a key block as he was a key reception, and he always put the team above his own success. Having played most of his career in a run-first offense, Ward didn’t have the opportunity to put up the same kind of numbers as some of his peers. And in the era of Randy Moss, Chad Johnson, and Terrell Owens, where big egos and big mouths equaled big contracts, it would have been easy for Ward to adopt a “me first” attitude. He could have left Pittsburgh for a more pass-happy offense and improved both his statistics and his bank account. But that isn’t who Hines Ward was. He didn’t care about the green. He cared about the Black and Gold. And his selfless attitude helped lead the Steelers to two championships. But that was then, and this is now.

Ward is in his 14th season, and it’s clear that age and injuries have caught up with him. He’s not the same player he was even a few years go. It happens to every player, even the great ones. And with several young, talented receivers behind him, it was only a matter of time before Ward was asked to accept a reduced role. So is that time now? Only coach Tomlin can decide that. But I think the evidence is clear. It’s time.

Oh, and to answer the original question … yes, Hines Ward should be in the Hall of Fame.

great write up wally!!!

i hate to see him getting older but i guess none of us can escape it.

You know typically it has no impact on me when a player 'loses' that step and either moves on or retires.

However, there have been two players that have impacted me as I watched their game slowly fade...Rod Woodson, and now Hines Ward. It starts with 'THAT SMILE', and it goes to the field where he's not afraid to hit a defensive player (which I believe some thought was against the rules of the game). And ends at his leadership. He's a definite leader on and off the field. While there may be more talented and younger WRs on the team, none - at least for now - will be able to replace THAT SMILE or his leadership.

All I ask is that he be allowed to ride off in to the sunset a STEELER!

It's funny that you guys mention The Smile. I actually thought about working it in somehow, but then decided to save it for a commentary when he retires. He's not finished yet, so I didn't want to get too sentimental.

Wallace108 wrote:

It's funny that you guys mention The Smile. I actually thought about working it in somehow, but then decided to save it for a commentary when he retires. He's not finished yet, so I didn't want to get too sentimental.

When he retires, I think we should work together on an OP Piece. There's so much to write and say, and think together we would create one of the most electrifying pieces ever created, and most likely outshine any piece that the media hypes could create.

stlrtruck wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

It's funny that you guys mention The Smile. I actually thought about working it in somehow, but then decided to save it for a commentary when he retires. He's not finished yet, so I didn't want to get too sentimental.

When he retires, I think we should work together on an OP Piece. There's so much to write and say, and think together we would create one of the most electrifying pieces ever created, and most likely outshine any piece that the media hypes could create.

Are you on drugs?

Yeah, we can do a collaborative piece, maybe something like everyone writes a few paragraphs about their favorite memories of Hines or something. I don't know ... we can kick around some ideas when he decides to retire.

I don't do drugs, I don't drink, but sometimes I do have lapses from previous usage.

stlrtruck wrote:

I don't do drugs, I don't drink, but sometimes I do have lapses from previous usage.

Or from inhaling the toxic fumes of his "beef stew".

Wallace108 wrote:

Is it time to 86 Hines Ward?

By Wallace 108

Should Hines Ward be in the Hall of Fame? That’s a question I’ve heard numerous times over the years. But this week, a new question has arisen … should Hines Ward be in the starting lineup?

Before last Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, that wouldn’t have been an easy question to answer. But seeing how well Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery played in Ward’s place, the answer became a little more obvious.

After taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Ray Lewis the previous week, Ward was replaced in the starting lineup by Brown, who caught 5 passes for 86 yards against the Bengals. Ward caught 1 pass for 4 yards and then was pulled from the game. Having already been replaced in the starting lineup, Ward was then replaced in three-receiver sets by Cotchery, who ended the game with 2 receptions for 29 and a touchdown. A second touchdown was called back because of a penalty on Heath Miller.

When asked about Ward being benched and his future role with the team, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin didn’t give much insight. “It may not be any indication of his participation moving forward. It’s just an indication of his participation today,” Tomlin said after Sunday’s game. Tomlin gave the only answer he could give. Putting Ward on the bench couldn’t have been an easy decision. And whether to keep him there will be an even harder decision.

Ward is the most prolific receiver in Steelers history, holding the team records in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns. And he’s a Super Bowl MVP. But Ward’s legendary status goes way beyond statistics. Ward is the embodiment of what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. He was a receiver who played with a linebacker mentality. He was just as happy to make a key block as he was a key reception, and he always put the team above his own success. Having played most of his career in a run-first offense, Ward didn’t have the opportunity to put up the same kind of numbers as some of his peers. And in the era of Randy Moss, Chad Johnson, and Terrell Owens, where big egos and big mouths equaled big contracts, it would have been easy for Ward to adopt a “me first” attitude. He could have left Pittsburgh for a more pass-happy offense and improved both his statistics and his bank account. But that isn’t who Hines Ward was. He didn’t care about the green. He cared about the Black and Gold. And his selfless attitude helped lead the Steelers to two championships. But that was then, and this is now.

Ward is in his 14th season, and it’s clear that age and injuries have caught up with him. He’s not the same player he was even a few years go. It happens to every player, even the great ones. And with several young, talented receivers behind him, it was only a matter of time before Ward was asked to accept a reduced role. So is that time now? Only coach Tomlin can decide that. But I think the evidence is clear. It’s time.

Oh, and to answer the original question … yes, Hines Ward should be in the Hall of Fame.

© Steelers Xtreme 2011

I couldn't have said it better myself. When I think of a true Steeler of the past it is no less than Jack Lambert. Now it's Hines. It's sad to see this happen yet exciting to see the new guys step up. I'm also sure Hines will be the first one to say it was a GRRRREAT ride. He will always be one of my favorites and we are blessed with so many to pick from.

Hey, SD! Welcome back!

Buddha Bus wrote:

Hey, SD! Welcome back!

Thanks Buddha. Had some computer problems and couldn't wait to get back and share my ignorance!!!

solardave wrote:

Buddha Bus wrote:

Hey, SD! Welcome back!

Thanks Buddha. Had some computer problems and couldn't wait to get back and share my ignorance!!!

It's OK. We covered for you.

Buddha Bus wrote:

solardave wrote:

Buddha Bus wrote:

Hey, SD! Welcome back!

Thanks Buddha. Had some computer problems and couldn't wait to get back and share my ignorance!!!

It's OK. We covered for you.

You guys are great!!!

My all time favorite Steeler!!! He shoulda been able to play out his last contract. While many will tell me I'm crazy I say he's missed. IMHO he's better than Cotchery and his leadership is clearly missed. I was pissed that Ben never even once threw the ball his way in the loss to San Fran last year and then they threw him 2 bubble screens and he never got the ball again. I would not have begrudged him if he decided to go to another team but Hines is and always will be a Steeler. I have heard some say he lost a step. I don't buy that how can you lose a step when you didn't have one to begin with???

I miss Hines can't help but think he may have made a difference on this team.