Big Drop Doesn't Faze Rookie

When Limas Sweed received the phone call in the spring of 2008 from the Steelers, he was shocked to say the least.

The former University of Texas receiver didn't think the Steelers had much interest in him before the NFL draft. They dispelled that myth by drafting him in the second round.

"I was like, Pittsburgh?" he said. "I talked to them one time, and all over the media all these different teams were all over me and when I got drafted it was Pittsburgh."

His father, Rev. Limas Sweed Sr., told his son of the Steelers' history and the tough disposition they carried into each contest.

He then told him something else.

"He said, 'Son ... I wouldn't be surprised if you guys end up in the Super Bowl,'" Sweed offered. "He said that way back just after the draft."

And here they are.

As the Steelers prepare to face the Cardinals on Sunday, the rookie's role has the potential to increase exponentially. The knee injury to Hines Ward could limit the number of snaps the veteran receiver participates in. If that happens, Sweed could see his No. 14 get the call on a handful of plays.

"I don't want Hines to not play, for many reasons," Sweed said. "One reason is in this league, it's respect. That's what you find out, in the league, it's a respect thing. I want him to play because it's Hines Ward and he's getting older. We don't know how many times we'll get a chance to be here, but I want him to be healthy and play in it.

"But if he is unable to for whatever reason, then I'll be ready. I'll definitely be ready to come in and do my part."

Doing his part took a small ding in the AFC Championship Game against the Ravens two weeks ago. Sweed found a barren spot on the left side of the Ravens' defense after shaking defensive back Evan Oglesby. When Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger laced the pass to Sweed, he dropped the sure touchdown.

"After the play was over, he ran back to the huddle and had his head down," fellow receiver Santonio Holmes said. "I shot him an elbow real quick and told him, 'Hey, make the next play.' There's something you can do to make up for it. ... If it happens, you drop a ball, forget it."

It was his second drop in as many weeks.

Three plays later, he made up for it in a bone-jarring way.

On a first-and-10 pass to tight end Heath Miller with about 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Sweed peeled back and flattened Ravens defensive back Corey Ivy.

"He's a great student. He's a great kid," Ward said. "I know, unfortunately, he had some drops in this league and I just try and tell him, look back at Jerry Rice. Jerry Rice dropped a lot of balls his rookie year, too. I'm not comparing him to Jerry Rice, but it happens.

"Limas will be fine."

If Sweed had his choice, he would have that touchdown catch in addition to the big hit.

"Any competitor that takes pride in what they do, they want it," Sweed said. "Yes, I want it, but I didn't get it. So what can I do? Do I hang my head down or do I shake it off and come back and blast somebody? Stuff happens in the course of a game, and you have to let it go."

There's one more game in which he can exorcise those demons. And it's on a stage the rookie never dreamed he'd be on so soon.

"I used to always envision myself running by people," said Sweed, a native of Brenham, Texas. "I'm pretty sure there's going to come an opportunity to run by somebody, and when it does, I'll be there."