Jon Gruden Calls Out Martavis Bryant: Must Do Better!

Martavis Bryant during his time with the Steelers in 2017
Martavis Bryant during his time with the Steelers in 2017. Photo by Trask Smith/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9301502bc)

Newly-signed Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant received a wake-up call from coach Jon Gruden.

“He’s got to get out here and play better,” he said in an interview with the Raiders’ website. “He’s in a competitive situation, and right now, a lot of the other receivers have had a nice camp.”

It’s hardly the ringing endorsement the former Pittsburgh Steeler wanted to hear.

Exchanged for a third-round pick in April, Guden expects more from Bryant. With Jordy Nelson and Ryan Switzer also added to the roster, Bryant must fight for his place on match days. In contrast to their glowing reports, Gruden isn’t seeing enough from Bryant to convince him that’s the case.

“I’m not saying he’s behind; he’s got to be more versatile,” the coach continued. “I’m not going to say any more than that. He’s in a competitive situation. Nothing is going to be given to anybody. It doesn’t matter how you got here or what your history card says, we need everybody to understand the best players are going to play.”

However, according to Gruden, Bryant – a fourth-round pick for the Steelers in the 2014 Draft – suffered “some illnesses”. The coach, however, sees them as no excuse for not performing.

“He’s got to get on the field. He’s got to master the offense and become more versatile, and that’s the key to making this team better.”

While it’s a downbeat assessment, Gruden offered the 26-year-old out of Clemson hope. This isn’t the death knell to his hopes it might seem; “He’s got to be more consistent, and I’m confident he will.”

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