Updated Nov 23, 2012 - 1:29 pm
Slowly but surely, Zach Miller getting more involved
Those hoping the Seahawks would make Zach Miller a bigger part of their passing offense are getting their wish – slowly but surely.
Miller's lack of production in the passing game last season was the subject of criticism, both from those who felt the tight end was underperforming after signing a massive contract and from those who – more accurately – were wondering why he was being used primarily as a blocker and rarely as a pass catcher.
 Tight end Zach Miller has been targeted 14 times during the Seahawks' last three games after being thrown to 16 times over the first six games of the season. (AP) |
Through 10 games this season, Miller has either topped or is near those totals. He has 23 catches on 32 targets for 285 yards. He also has a touchdown reception after being held out of the end zone last season.
"[I'm] definitely getting a lot more chances, a lot more plays where I'm the focus and getting the ball and that kind of thing," Miller told "Bob and Groz" on Monday. "It's nice because I think that helps our offense, and I think it's just a progression and it keeps just improving."
Miller's totals through 10 games put him on pace for 37 catches, 51 targets and 456 yards. Those certainly aren't Pro Bowl numbers, but they represent notable improvement. Better quarterback play has been one factor. More stability on the offensive line has also helped as it's allowed Miller to spend more time running routes and less time as an extra blocker.
Miller set season highs with five receptions on six targets in the Seahawks' Week 10 win over the Jets. On one of those catches, he held on despite taking a big hit from cornerback Antonio Cromartie. On another, he broke two tackles to pick up a first down.
"That was a cool play, making two guys bounce off so that he could get the first down at a crucial time for us," coach Pete Carroll said after the game. "He's playing really good football for us. There's nothing he doesn't do well."
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Bob Stelton is the co-host of "Bob and Groz". He came to 710 ESPN Seattle from 101 ESPN in St. Louis and had previously worked for Sporting News Radio in Chicago and Santa Monica, Calif. Bob began his radio career in Seattle in 1997 after a failed attempt to become a rock star. 
Dave Grosby is the co-host of "Bob and Groz." The Groz has spent the last 21 years of his 39-year broadcast career as a Seattle sports talk show host. Dave is also the play-by-play announcer for Seattle U basketball on KTTH 770. Before coming to Seattle, Dave worked at KFI in Los Angeles and KFBK in Sacramento. He's been married to his wife Bonnie for 23 years.
After two years as the producer for "Brock and Salk," Colin Paisley now produces "Bob and Groz." Colin also hosts "Seattle Sports at Night" with Tom Wassell and Matt Pitman. Colin came to 710 ESPN Seattle after five years at various FM music stations in Bellingham and Seattle. In addition to his time as producer and host, Colin likes to spend his time embracing his "Slacker Gen-Y" persona by napping and not caring about stuff. Plus he likes tons of bands you've never heard of, and once you hear of them he'll stop liking them.
