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Pittsburgh Steelers: Don’t Sleep on Jesse James, Ladarius Green Combo

By Noah Strackbein

Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers used Jessie James as their primary tight end while Ladarius Green healed from an injury. Now, they’re looking to have one of the best TE duos in the NFL.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t expecting Jesse James to much more than a blocking tight end last season. After signing Ladarius Green last offseason, Pittsburgh seemed ready to turn the former San Diego Charger into the successor of Heat Miller.

When Green went down with an ankle injury then a concussion last season, the Steelers turned to James as their primary tight end. Well, as we all witnessed, James proved he could be the future pass-catching lineman in Pittsburgh.

James may have only finished with 394 yards and four touchdowns during his second season in the NFL, but he was an important part of this offense week after week. At 6’7, 261-pounds, James’ usage isn’t just catching the ball. His massive frame and extraordinary strength make him one of the best young blocking tight ends in the league.

He may not be Odell Beckham Jr., but he has reliable hands. Being 6’7, it isn’t unlikely for him to be used near the endzone to jump over defenders. Add his pass catching to his blocking, and he’s the perfect combination for a Pittsburgh tight end.

While James may be the future for the Steelers, him and Ladarius Green together is the present. Pittsburgh never shied away from using two tight ends. Mostly while in the redzone, but when you have two players with as much talent as these two do, it isn’t rare to adjust your gameplan accordingly.

During Green’s six games in 2016, he caught 18 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown. With his speed and athleticism, Green is considered more of a deep threat at the position. Match him with Ben Roethlisberger’s arm, and he could have one of the best statistical seasons a Pittsburgh tight end has ever had. Barring he stays healthy next season, he could be one Roethlisberger’s favorite options when teams double-team Antonio Brown.

Combine James as a blocking option who could break out for a short pass and Green who’s as big a deep threat as any tight end in the NFL, and you have a deadly duo. These two should have been a dangerous unit last season. Add a comfortable and developed James and a healthy Green to the mix and the dynamic duo of 2016 becomes one of the best in 2017.

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Don’t sleep on the James-Green combo Pittsburgh adds next season. If Roethlisberger returns, which it’s likely he will, these two could be some of his favorite targets. The Steelers are bulking their offense at this point, and it’s going to pay off.

No one considers James or Green one of the top tight ends in the league. Add the two together, though, and people will take notice.

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