PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Outspoken often during his career, Steelers tight end Eric Ebron is taking a different approach in dealing with only seven catches for 47 yards just over a third of the way through the season.
“You just hope what you put on tape people see,” Ebron said as the Steelers returned to practice Monday after the open week. “I’ve been putting a lot of good stuff on tape. You just hope they recognize it.”
“There is no need for me to say anything. My reputation is I’ve always said something, for me this time. I am not going to say anything & I’m going to just continue to let my tape & coaches work for me.”
Ebron says what he’s doing in practice and what he’s been able to do in game is better than those stats. Next to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, no one has more experience in the league on offense, yet has just 13 targets and no more than three in a single game this year.
“I honestly believe we have some of the most talented players on this team,” Ebron said. “I feel like our offense should be really dominant. So hopefully it gets there. That’s really all I have to say.”
So why the change from the outspoken Ebron of the past. Who may have felt his way to get his point across, is to let everyone know his frustrations.
“I’m an adult with two kids and I got a wife and people that I lean on to talk to,” Ebron said. “It’s not only about my image anymore and how I portray myself. It’s the way I think about the people around me.”
“My job is to just come here and do what I’m asked to do. I’ve been doing that to the best of my ability and I think it’s showed.”
Browns rematch
Steelers first game against Cleveland since the Browns pummeled them in the AFC Wild Card game last year. Ebron ready for the road game.
“We will see them on Sunday at 1 o’clock,” Ebron said. “They whooped our ass, at our home and sent us home. If you can’t be motivated by that, shouldn’t probably be playing football.”
“Any team that sends you home, in your division. You got to come with it.”
Young TE
Ebron is impressed with the other tight ends on the roster. To compare, Ebron has played in 104 career NFL games. Rookie Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry and Kevin Rader combined have played in 19.
“I think we are all so talented,” Ebron said. “I think we all bring so much to the table. I think Pat, to be a rookie, he’s phenomenal. I didn’t have the mental mindset Pat has.”
“Pat asks me more questions than anyone. He’s like my third child. He’s a student of the game and you rarely use that term. He picks my mind. I offer him a lot of detail & help him separate his physical from his mental. Try to keep him head strong.”
“I think Zach has put so much work into getting better. As a older guy, you love to see people want to fulfill and be good at something. Now a days, people just quit or give up. It seems to be the easy thing to do. He’s dedicated so much time to it.”
Ebron adds that Rader busts his tail and he believes he could be on a 53-man roster on another team.
The North Carolina star says it’s an honor to be the veteran and watches those three grow.