Wide receiver Troy Edwards has returned to the position in which he experienced so much success as a rookie last season. X, in this case, will mark the spot again. Whether it will hit the spot for Edwards is another matter.
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Troy Edwards Back in the mix (Peter Diana, Post-Gazette) |
The position -- called "X" or split end -- is where Edwards caught 61 passes as a rookie to tie for the team lead with Hines Ward, who played "Z" or flanker.
The Steelers moved Edwards to flanker this summer to allow rookie Plaxico Burress to start at split end, which uses deeper routes and generally is a less complicated position to learn and play. Edwards was given the starting job at flanker over Ward but missed the second game with an injury, lost his job to Ward and hasn't been able to win it back. Edwards has only 17 catches this season.
Burress lost his starting job and went on injured reserve Dec. 1. Courtney Hawkins started at split end the past four games.
Now Edwards finds himself back at split end and Will Blackwell has moved over to back up Ward at flanker. Edwards played the position for the first time this season against the Giants last Sunday. He caught one pass for 27 yards.
"I feel more comfortable there because that's where I played my whole career," Edwards said, including his days at Louisiana Tech. "It's a little easier to understand. I played there last year and I started to get a good feel for it last year. I think it's a little easier for me, I just have to get it down and remember the plays from last year."
Edwards wasn't sure if the move would carry through next season or not. "I don't know. If Plaxico comes back and heals up and is well, it will be his spot back again. With injuries, people might move anywhere."
Edwards regains 'X' factor 
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