Miller Time

Perhaps you like local sports journalist, Ron Cook, perhaps you don't.  Me, I'm somewhat indifferent.  Sometimes he gets it right, sometimes he's the master of the obvious, and sometimes he's the ultimate contrarian, dedicated to disagreeing with every colleague or fan that he encounters. 

Nonetheless, this post isn't about Cook, it's about the subject of his most recent article, tight end extraordinaire, Heath Miller.  In what has been a season reading like a dramatic saga regarding the individual athlete, whether it be injury, resistance to change, or contractual issues, one man has stood above the pack as standard bearer and teammate.  Yes, his name is Heath, or Heeeeeeeeeeeath, as you hear echoing from practically every stadium he performs in. The appreciation for Miller's excellence is so profound, Steeler Nation is often caught Heeeeathing even when Miller's backup David Paulson makes a snare.  Dr. Evil be damned, understudy Paulson is assuredly Mini-Miller.  Who better to imitate?

Miller's contributions this season must not be understated.  Gathering in 56 receptions through 12 games is no small feat considering the amount of time Miller is asked to play the role of third tackle/nanny to youthful linemen.  Look at the performances of rookie tackles Mike Adams and Kelvin Beachum, as both were thrust into duty, and you will understand just why Miller is regarded as the most complete football player on the team.  Unselfish? This guy makes Gandhi look like the rich guy who tosses a gum wrapper into the Salvation Army bucket.

Despite Miller's ability to disrupt a blitz or knock any opposing linebacker on his fanny, his involvement in the vertical game is where the big money lies. What Charlie Batch learned on Sunday is that Miller can simply own the middle of the field.  What John Harbaugh learned is that to beat the Steelers, you should consider defending #83, at least a little.  Take nothing away from Miller's big time performance on Sunday, but seriously, shame on the Ravens for just letting him ramble freely between the hashes, like a crazed wildebeest cruising up the Serengeti. 

Miller was not to be denied that victory, displaying yet another attribute of a great teammate, ...refusing to let his or her team fail.

Let's just hope that we can keep Heeeeathing for several more weeks, and a few more years to come.

All together now:  HEEEEEEEATH!