Pray That Pittsburgh Steelers Don’t Use Dri Archer Much
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dri Archer (13) runs the ball between Houston Texans linebacker Mike Mohamed (54) and cornerback Jonathan Joseph (24) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked backup running back LeGarrette Blount to the curb last week following his walking out on the team during their game against the Titans. That left a hole in the #2 slot on the depth chart, with no veteran experience left on the team to fill that role. Cue panic among Steeler Nation. However, that panic is not unfounded, especially after Mike Tomlin’s weekly presser on Tuesday.
The team called up Josh Harris from the practice squad shortly after the released Blount. The assumption, and not just mine alone, was that Josh would leapfrog rookie RB Dri Archer. According to Tomlin, Harris has been “a guy on a steady incline. He’s improved day-to-day. He’s a big time competitor. He’s a finisher.” Sounds promising. But, while commending Harris’ progress in one breath, Tomlin promoted his confidence in Archer’s ability to fill the role of backup in the next. “I’m not reluctant at all,” was Tomlin’s response when questioned about Archer.
I know I am. Do I think it was a bad move to remove Blount from the team due to my own reluctancy to put “The Toy” out on the field? No. What I really hope for is that Tomlin has the sense to put the “steady incline” Harris in there before Archer. It couldn’t be any worse than putting in Archer.
Archer has struggled all season no matter what situation he’s been placed in – slot receiver, running back, kick returner, you name it. The small back, while touted as the fastest man in this year’s draft, has a rather difficult time staying on his feet due to his size. Hell, even the Travelocity Gnome has a difficult time seeing him Archer’s so small. He struggles to bust through the line. He struggles to gain an edge. He struggles to reach the 20 yard line on kick returns. The 3rd round pick was supposed to create chaos.
Where’s the “chaos?” The only chaos that happens when he’s on the field is in my living room while I pull out my hair. Bust? When he was pulled from KR duty, you better believe he was slapped with that label.
The Steelers offense would be better served keeping Bell in as long as possible. Hell, give him 40 carries a game. He says he can handle it, and we know that Tomlin doesn’t mind running his backs until the “wheels come off.” Just keep “The Toy” off the field completely or at the very least don’t increase his role more than it already is.