Plaxico Burress Making An Impact At 35 Years Old?

By Devin O'Barr
The Star-Ledger/ US PRESSWIRE

For the first time since 2004, Plaxico Burress will be dawning a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform. With playmaking WR Antonio Brown missing the last two contests due to a high ankle sprain and fellow wide Receiver Jerrico Cotchery suffering multiple rib fractures on Sunday, the move makes sense. Twelve years and nine NFL seasons after being drafted by the black and gold, Burress has a chance to give Pittsburgh and himself another Super Bowl championship.

Now, Burress did not have a disappointing 2011 campaign whatsoever. In the New York spotlight, two years removed from NFL action and with Marc Sanchez as his quarterback, Burress managed to play in all 16 games and haul in eight touchdowns for a New York Jets team that lacked wide receiver production.

His 6-5 frame will do the Steelers well, but the bigger issue may be who is behind center for Pittsburgh.

Back in 2004, his only season with Ben Roethlisberger, Burress caught just five touchdowns for 698 yards. Big Ben’s status is up in the air however, the history between the two is not something to overlook and probably loomed large in the signing. For the time being, Charlie Batch will quarterback the Steelers who played four games with Burress back in 2003, but threw only eight passes that year.

Nonetheless, the familiar faces and Burress’ overall production during his tenure in the NFL makes this signing look like a perfect fit. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have their work cut out for him after a disappointing home loss to the divisional leading Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night. Moving forward, Plaxico’s first game will be against the 2-8 Cleveland Browns and then the club will travel to Baltimore where the spotlight will really be on the old but new Steeler.

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