Welcome back, Martavis Bryant.
After missing the first five games of the 2015 season, Pittsburgh Steelers second-year wide receiver Martavis Bryant hit the ground running as the former fourth-round draft pick out of Clemson caught 6 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s 25-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
“Martavis did what we know that he can do and it’s good to have him back,” said head coach Mike Tomlin after the game. “We’ll just continue to work and get him up to speed so that he can be everything that he needs to be and everything that we want him to be.”
Bryant only had two receptions for a whopping 8 yards in the first half with veteran Mike Vick under center, but he took over the game in the second half with the help of backup Landry Jones as he caught 4 more passes from the young quarterback for 129 more yards and two scores.
On Bryant’s first touchdown reception in the game, he exhibited superb body control in not only making the catch, but also making sure he came down in bounds. The score put the Steelers ahead in the game for the first time
On Bryant’s second touchdown, he caught a pass from Jones at the Steelers 22 yard-line and proceeded to weave inside and then outside for an 88-yard score that put the game away for good for the Steelers.
“It was a great call by coach,” said Bryant after the game when asked about his second score. “It was just great execution. I’m proud of my teammates and I’m proud of how we came out here and responded in front of Steeler Nation.”
Bryant missed the Steelers first four games of the season while serving suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He then proceeded to miss the team’s Week 5 game as well after many believed that he tweaked a knee during his first practice back with the team.
If Bryant can stay on the straight and narrow from here on out, he could potentially become one of the top wide receivers in the game thanks to his big-play ability. He caught 8 touchdown during his rookie season and appears to be picking up right where he left off.
