4 most underrated players on the Steelers halfway through the 2020 season

3. WR James Washington

I understand why James Washington rarely sees the field in ’11’ personnel. Chase Claypool has been terrific for the Steelers and he’s a threat at every level of the field. Still, I’m dumbfounded that James Washington hasn’t earned more snaps on offense.

The former second-round draft choice has been extremely efficient with his targets as of late and he seems to make a play anytime there is a catchable pass thrown in his direction. Unfortunately, Ben Roethlisberger has not looked his way often this year. Though he had a big game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 (4 catches, 68 yards, 1 touchdown), he since has had just 3 catchable targets thrown in his direction over the last four games. Of those catchable passes, Washington has reeled in all three for 47 yards and a touchdown on a very impressive double-move route against the Dallas Cowboys.

For some reason or another, the Steelers have chosen to flex James Conner out in five receiver sets instead of getting Washington on the field. For as well as he has played, the former second-round receiver deserves more playing time. Lost in the shadows of the three receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, Pittsburgh’s 2019 receiving leader remains one of the most underrated players on the team.