The 2025 NFL season has reached the point where teams are learning who they really are. With just five weeks left, the time for sweeping changes or massive improvements has long since passed. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that means accepting that they are once again a mediocre football team.
At 6-6, their playoff hopes lie solely on their ability to win the AFC North title over the Baltimore Ravens. That seems less likely with each passing week, and there is no shortage of reasons why. A leaky run defense, inconsistent rushing attack, and a rudderless passing game have plagued Pittsburgh all season, and they can't seem to find any answers.
The passing game does have avenues they could attempt to explore, namely getting former top tight end Pat Freiermuth more involved in the offense. Head coach Mike Tomlin was asked at his weekly press conference why he hasn't been used much despite the offense's struggles, and his answer was disappointing to say the least.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin doesn't seem particularly high on Pat Freiermuth any longer
Tomlin gave a relatively simple answer, but one that clearly shows how he and the coaching staff view Freiermuth at this point in his career.
"The ball didn't bounce his way a week ago, but he's certainly a viable option for us, and one that's strongly considered as we work this week."
Just another viable option? Are the rest of them in the room with us? I certainly don't see many on this roster, especially ones that have three seasons of over 60 receptions and are still just 27 years old. Just a season ago, the 2021 second-round pick had 653 yards and seven touchdowns.
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There is no real evidence that he has regressed, and in fact, he may be a better blocker this year than ever before. Despite all of that, he is earning a career-low 2.2 receptions per game and has received just 32 targets in 12 games. He even had a career-best game against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this year, with 118 yards and two touchdowns on just five receptions.
The emergence of Darnell Washington and the offseason trade for Jonnu Smith obviously play a huge part in his diminished role, but Smith has been a disappointment, and Washington is still a niche part of the passing game. With things going south quickly for the Steelers' offense, why not try and get Freiermuth involved more?
I see no good reason, but Tomlin clearly doesn't think his lack of opportunities is a problem. Hopefully, that changes, as all the other things they have tried to improve the passing game this season have failed.