Though it’s really become a bigger story than intended, Martavis Bryant addressed for the first time Ben Roethlisberger’s comments on him.
“It was good for Ben to challenge me and I’m going to accept it,” he told reporters following practice today.
“What he said was good for me and I needed that. I’m glad he did it. And like I said, I’ll be ready to go come Saturday.”
As Roethlisberger noted earlier today, Bryant said the two talked and that “everything is fine” between them.
Despite the news coverage swirled around him, Bryant seemed cool, confident, and said he didn’t feel any extra pressure.
“I have no pressure on me whatsoever.”
Despite an unimpressive last two weeks, catching just two passes for six yards, something that Bryant chalked up to the ebb and flow of football, he said he was focusing on getting back to basics during this week of practice. He also noted that his “body feels great” after missing practice last week with an illness.
He has yet to top the 49 yard mark in either game against the Cincinnati Bengals this season but bluntly stated he’s ready for however the team decides to cover him.
“Take advantage of it like I always do,” Bryant replied when asked what he would do if the Bengals tried to press him.
Bryant has seemed to take the tough love in stride and hopefully become a better player for it. This week’s game will demonstrate the mental makeup of the second-year receiver and his ability to overcome adversity.
