Steelers WR Hines Ward Said He Sat Out Because Patriots' Secondary Is Bad

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward sat out with an injury last weekend as his club toppled the New England Patriots 25-17, however he says that he would have played if New England’s secondary wasn’t so bad, according to NESN.

"I probably could have forced it and played but we have some great wideouts," Ward said, according to NESN. "I wasn't really concerned. And against the Patriots, we felt we could exploit their secondary. That wasn't the same secondary that we played against a year ago. [James] Sanders, [Brandon] Meriweather wasn't back there and they let Leigh Bodden go. We kind of liked our matchups. So there was no need for me to try to force it and go."

The Steelers gained 365 yards through the air in their victory over the Patriots Sunday. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger competed 36 of 50 passes for two touchdowns. The New England secondary did record an interception in the game.