Steelers’ Wilson makes his point

By Darrell Laurant  |   Wednesday, August 08, 2007  |  Comments( 1 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
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It was Keyshawn Johnson, not Cedrick Wilson, who wrote the book "Just Give Me The Damn Ball." But Wilson was expressing the same philosophy in the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice sessions last week.

"I just have to focus on the balls I get, I guess," Wilson grumbled to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter, "because there aren't going to be many of them."

The seventh-year man out of Tennessee was especially irked when Charlie Batch tried to force an underneath pass on one practice play -- and was intercepted -- while Wilson roamed free 20 yards downfield. And he let the Steeler QB know about it.

Which actually pleased rookie head coach Mike Tomlin.

"I'd be more worried if a wide receiver didn't want the ball," said Tomlin, who played that position himself at William & Mary. "I know how he feels, and I did some complaining myself. But if you've got a problem with the man, take it to the man."

Apparently, that's what Wilson did. And on the first drive of the Steelers' 20-7 victory over New Orleans in this past Sunday's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, the 5-foot-10, 193-pounder left Kevin Kaesviharn behind on a 55-yard throw from Ben Roethlisberger, then lost veteran Mike McKenzie on a crossing pattern to score from 18 yards out.

Later, Wilson -- who had been starting at one wideout position alongside Hines Ward with Santonio Holmes briefly sidelined -- caught two more passes, one from Batch, to finish with 99 receiving yards.

"I knew Ced was griping about not getting the ball earlier," said Ward, "but he got his opportunity, and he made the most of it."

In the process, Wilson put a little distance between himself and Nate Washington (who had two drops) in the battle for the third receiver spot.

Sometimes, it helps to complain.
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