Hines Ward: Tough Player but Not Bad Guy

Hines Ward is one of my favorite Steelers, if you didn’t know this already, now you do.  Last night’s interview with Bob Costas has created quite a stir not just among those in Steeler Nation, but nearly every football fan out there.  I actually have a little bit different perspective than how it seems everyone else sees this going down.

What I witnessed was a player, who, like everyone in Steeler Nation, was hoping that the Steelers would have all their weapons against the Ravens.  This matchup is always tough, and typically, always means something too.

Last year was the AFC Championship and which team would ultimately head to the Super Bowl- this year, the chance for a wildcard to make it to post-season play.  In other words, last night’s matchup was a big deal.

Who didn’t want Ben to play? Or Troy? Or Aaron Smith? Or heck, even Charlie Batch? (raise your hands, scans the crowd, yup, that’s what I thought)

The problem, in my opinion, is that no one knew Ben’s status until Saturday morning.  He practiced with the team as usual all week so it was a surprise that he was not going to be playing.  Now, as frustrating as that may be, it also was required.  I don’t think any of us would have wanted to give the Ravens any extra time to prepare for the game knowing they were going against Dixon.  As it was, they had more than 24 hours to do so.  I don’t blame the coaching staff for keeping that decision under wraps, but they might have let the team know a little more than what they did beforehand.

Last night after the game, Coach Tomlin said, “I will give our football team that information. At the time that the information came down, I was more concerned about getting Dennis ready to play, and I proceeded with the assumption that our men understood what kind of competitive setting it is. If they don’t, I’ll tell them.”

Yes, getting Dennis ready to play – also BIG DEAL, right?  Yes.    (nod your heads)

Clearly, he’ll take care of business. Do you doubt him?

Look at this face- seriously, do you think he won’t handle any negativity in the locker room?

I’m betting my terrible towel that he squashed that nonsense right away, comprende? (nod heads again please)

Don’t get me wrong, I think that concussions are serious and I would rather see Ben on the sideline than playing in a game and risking his long-term health.  And I guarantee no one on the team feels otherwise.  Guaranteed. Not even Hines.