NBC analyst and former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward talks rookie quarterbacks, Eli Manning and Pittsburgh’s playoff chances with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: Which rookie quarterback do you expect to be starting first?
A: Coach (Gus) Bradley was talking about red-shirting Blake Bortles this year, but all the guy has done is come out and produce. He’s kind of outplayed Chad Henne, but I don’t really know what their master plan was. I just know with Ben Roethlisberger, he got better by playing earlier. If you are the No. 3 overall pick, why not play him? Let’s be realistic: Jacksonville isn’t going to be competing for a Super Bowl any time soon. Of all the quarterbacks drafted this year he is far and beyond those guys on the field. He just looks very polished.
Q: How far behind is Johnny Manziel?
A: As the preseason went on, you started to see him, instead of rushing and being antsy, he started to go through all his progressions and also get outside the pocket. He’s already evolving and he’s able to extend plays, make first downs with his legs and that’s something you can’t teach. He gives the added dimension that I am not sure Brian Hoyer has.
Q: Which team do you expect a breakout season from?
A: You look at the twin towers the Buccaneers have at wide receiver with Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, those are real weapons. With Josh McCown, you have a guy that will take care of the football, won’t make mistakes and he’ll be looking out at this man-to-man coverage with these [6-foot-5] guys and that puts a lot of pressure on the defense and then you have Doug Martin behind you. I like where this team is going on defense, too. I think they can be a wild-card team.
Q: Are the concerns over the Giants’ offense exaggerated?
A: If you look at Eli Manning — a guy who won two Super Bowls — and the year he had last year, you just scratch your head a little bit. It’s imperative for the Giants to establish a running game. I really like Rashad Jennings so far and the things he’s done in the preseason so far. It’s really time for Rueben Randle to emerge in his third year and be a complement to Victor Cruz. Any quarterback that wins Super Bowls is a proven commodity, and I expect the Giants to bounce back.
Q: Will the Steelers make it back to the playoffs?
A: I find it difficult to imagine the Steelers missing three straight years. There are talks about Ben Roethlisberger wanting to play a hurry-up, no-huddle and I think that plays best with their personnel because you take Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount and you spread that defense out a little wider. All that does is create nice running lanes for those guys and give Ben enough time to find those receivers. Now, you are starting to get a rapport with Todd Haley and Ben starting to come together and gelling. They are right up there with the Bengals near the top of the AFC North.