The Pittsburgh Steelers should boast one of the NFL’s most dangerous offenses, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes Markus Wheaton is ready to be another weapon.
Roethlisberger appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio (h/t Around the NFL) and said Wheaton will be “our breakout player of the year.” Big Ben continued:
“I want that. I want him to have that pressure because … when we’re in two-wide receivers he’s our No. 2 and we’re asking him to play outside. When we go three wide receivers, we ask him to move inside. So he’s playing multiple positions.”
The Oregon State product snagged 53 passes for 644 yards and two touchdowns last year, but Wheaton became an afterthought following Martavis Bryant’s midseason explosion.
However, Wheaton’s rumored versatility would affect his touches in a positive manner. If he’s indeed playing over Bryant in two-receiver sets, Wheaton will have more opportunities to establish himself as a regular threat.
Even when Bryant is on the field, defenses must devote extra attention to star wideout Antonio Brown while looking to contain running back Le’Veon Bell. Consequently, Wheaton—as well as Bryant—will likely receive plenty of one-on-one coverage.
Bryant appears destined for a massive season, but if Roethlisberger’s words prove true, Wheaton will assemble an impressive campaign, too.
Photo: USA Today Sports