4 changes that could ignite Steelers offense in second half of the season
By Tommy Jaggi
More four-receiver sets
It’s a shame that the Steelers can’t find a way to get James Washington on the field. In 11-personnel, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool are their wide receivers. I don’t have a problem with this at all. However, running with more four (and even five) wide receiver sets could provide a big spark for this offense.
Sadly, Washington has received just 4 targets and 31 total snaps over the last three games, according to Pro Football Reference. With his only catchable target against the Cowboys, the former second-round pick ran a terrific double-move to get wide open in the back of the endzone for a 17-yard touchdown.
But despite Pittsburgh’s success when spreading out and passing the ball, players like Jaylen Samuels, Vance McDonald, and Ray-Ray McCloud have been cutting into snaps that Washington could be taking advantage of in four-receiver sets.
The Steelers have a plethora of young receiving options that could explode on any given day and forcing a teams’ 3rd or 4th cornerback to cover these guys just isn’t fair. Running more formations with at least four receivers on the field could give this offense a boost.