Sometime during the conversation, the topic of Hines Ward came up. In short, my friend asked me: How good is Hines Ward? Is he really 'that' good? What makes him so good?
In essence, the following is what I told him:
Hines Ward has good statistics, but his value to the Steelers goes beyond mere receptions and touchdowns. For example, in the Raiders game, Ward had seven receptions for 99 yards (which I might add was enough to move him up to fourth all-time on the Steelers' receiving list). While those numbers are the type that earn a player a trip to Hawaii, what enshrines players in Canton is the impact that a player has on his team.
Ward indeed had that type of impact on Sunday. The play that comes to mind occurred late in the third quarter. The Raiders had all the momentum. And when I say all the momentum, I mean that the Raiders' waterboy was dishing out water that was cooler than the Steelers' water; that's how bad it had become for the Steelers.
Then, Ward does what Ward does best. He made a play that swung the momentum back in the Steelers' favor.
The Raiders had scored on two of three possessions and had just moved within four points of tying the game. Meanwhile, the Steelers were forced to punt on three-consecutive possessions. Another three-and-out by the Steelers would have assuredly resulted in another Raiders score...possibly, a go-ahead touchdown.
Instead, it was Ward breaking away for 39 yards. Statistically, 39 yards was not the longest play of the day, but as far as momentum goes, it was the biggest. The Pittsburgh fans became revved up, the offense regained its swagger, and the Steelers could discern the sweet scent of victory.
So, what makes Hines Ward so good?
Is it because blocks like a fullback? No.
Is it because he will go over the middle? No.
Is it because he has been to three straight Pro-Bowls? No.
Is it because he plays hurt? No.
Is it because he makes the tough catches? No.
Is it because he non-chalantly throws the football to a fan wearing a #86 jersey after a touchdown? No.
Don't get me wrong. All of those attributes only add to Ward's greatness, but what really, truly, and quite simply makes Ward so valuable is the following:
When the game is on the line, and the play has to be made, everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) who is a Steelers fan is thinking the same thing: "Ward."
As NFL films once said, "Great players aren't always great; they are only great when they have to be." Well, Ward is great all the time, and when he has to be, he's better.
