When the Pittsburgh Steelers need to make something happen, Mike Tomlin always finds a way to motivate his troops. It’s part of what makes him one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. This week, the energy came naturally. A passionate crowd in Dublin, Ireland, was enough to ignite every player in black and gold.
The stage was special — a chance to honor the late ambassador Dan Rooney while putting on a show overseas. The mission was simple: erase the doubts, fix the sloppy play, and remind everyone who the Pittsburgh Steelers really are.
As usual, that starts with a consistent rushing attack.
Arthur Smith’s offense had struggled to establish the ground game through the first three weeks, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. But in Dublin, something clicked.
The Steelers finished with 131 rushing yards on 29 attempts — a healthy 4.5 yards per carry — against a tough Minnesota defense. That’s no small feat, and to me, it all came down to one difference-maker: tight end Darnell Washington.
At six-foot-seven and built like a brick wall, Washington is impossible to miss on the field. But his impact goes well beyond his size. He’s the kind of player who thrives in physical football — the style Pittsburgh has always embraced. Against the Vikings, he showed why the Steelers drafted him in the first place.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must utilize Darnell Washington similarly to Week 4 moving forward
Washington’s blocking was the backbone of the rushing revival.
Whether sealing the edge for Kenneth Gainwell or pushing defenders off the line to create running lanes, his presence was felt every time the offense lined up. Arthur Smith wisely used special packages to feature Washington as an additional blocker, giving the Steelers the extra muscle they needed to dominate up front.
But that wasn’t all.
Washington also contributed as a receiver, catching all three of his targets for 20 yards. On paper, those numbers might not turn heads, but if you watched the game, you saw how valuable those catches were. Each one kept drives alive and forced the Vikings to respect him as more than just a blocking tight end.
And that’s the key. When defenses have to account for Washington as both a blocker and a receiver, the Steelers’ offense becomes far less predictable. Give him space, and he’ll maul you at the line. Underestimate his route running, and he’ll slip past you for a crucial grab.
I truly believe this is a turning point for Arthur Smith’s offense. Darnell Washington gives Pittsburgh a new identity on the ground — one that blends power, intelligence, and versatility.
The Steelers will use their Week 5 bye to rest and reset, but more importantly, to build on what they found in Dublin. If they keep leaning on Washington’s strengths, this rushing attack could become the steady force Pittsburgh has been searching for all season.
And just like that, the Steelers might’ve discovered their missing piece.