Brokenhearted over Bryant

In the midst of writing a typical angry Steelers fan tweet about Eric Weddle signing with the Ravens last Monday, I refreshed my feed to see the official news.  Everyone had known that there was a possibility of Martavis Bryant being suspended for yet another drug test violation, but the NFL officially announced it after Weddle's deal with Baltimore, as if they wanted to break the hearts of Steeler Nation all at the same time.

And as much as I wanted to write an angry tweet about Bryant, I couldn't.  I had read many articles about how Bryant was battling depression, and knew this was a lot more than just 'failing a drug test'.  People are quick to judge someone just by the life they live, and the money they make.  But they don't understand that the cash doesn't make all your problems go away.  Jet's wide receiver Brandon Marshall has even said in the past while dealing with his own mental illness,  "I have a dream home, two nice cars, three beautiful dogs, but I haven't enjoyed one part of it, and it was hard to understand why."  

I don't mean to stray far from the sports aspect of this blog, but I think this is something many people need to think about.  We tend to obsess over the physical health of our favorite athletes, but we need to understand that their mental health is just as important.

I also think that this shows a lot about the Steeler's organization.  Santonio Holmes was the Steelers beloved Super Bowl MVP, but after repeat violations they traded him (for which ended up being the 6th round pick for Antonio Brown, so thanks Santonio).  This is now Martavis' second violation yet the Steeler's made it clear they won't let him go.  
They see the potential in him and   instead are focusing on getting Martavis help so he can come back physically and MENTALLY healthy next year. 

Recent Free Agency Moves

Maybe it wasn't Eric Weddle like many had hoped and prayed for, but the strategic moves made in free agency by the Steelers are something to take note of.  Since free agency has started, the team has signed former Chargers tight end Ladarius Green and former Bronco tackle, Ryan Harris.  With Heath Miller retired, and Kelvin Beachum signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the two acquisitions couldn't come at a better time.
Jesse James and Alejandro Villaneuva are still developing in their positions, so the two will benefit from two offensive veterans like Green and Harris.  Green's 6"6' stature will be a huge target for Ben to hit this season, and Harris will add depth to the offensive line.


If you thought the Steelers offense was good last year, they're about to be even scarier this year.