The Pittsburgh Steelers have been on quite a winning streak over the past three games. While the victory over the Patriots felt like the least deserved, the last two games against the Vikings and Browns have been a different story.
For the first time during the 2025 season, this team played as they were designed to play. The defense did its part to limit the opposing offense. The run game was efficient, and Aaron Rodgers filled in the rest of the gaps with the passing game.
On offense, there has been one key difference over these last two games that has made that difference possible. Without him, I’m not sure the team cruises to two wins like they did.
That Steelers difference maker is Darnell Washington.
Now, the NFL has officially been put on notice. Washington is an ascending star, and he makes the Steelers offense a dangerous one.
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally have offensive success because of Darnell Washington
Despite a stout room of tight end options, Washington has claimed his spot as the true top dog in the room. He logged over 90 percent of the offensive snaps against the Vikings and followed that up with almost 80 percent of the snaps against the Browns.
Both games have seen the run game open up. Kenneth Gainwell had a career game against the Vikings while adding almost another 100 rushing yards against the Browns. The big reason for this success? Washington’s ability to block.
Better yet, we saw him turn into a receiving weapon this past week, receiving 62 yards through the air. He is turning into a complete package for this offense.
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We are seeing this new wave of blocking tight ends who can catch take center stage. While you still have your standout receiving options, they are becoming harder and harder to field if they can’t block. Just look at Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts. He is one of the freakiest athletes at this position, but hasn’t been able to become a true top tight end because he can’t block.
While Washington is more of a blocker as opposed to a receiver, he has shown he can do both. His infusion into the offense has unlocked the full potential of the team.
It has come at a cost. There is a lot of grief about Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth being non-factors on the offense. Both have essentially cannibalized each other’s opportunities, and their high price tag isn’t justified based on their current impact.
That shouldn’t impact this team from keeping Washington on the field. At the end of the day, you need to play your best players. Washington has done wonders and should continue to command the most snaps.
Yes, the game plan will change. The team has wanted their heavier tight end against these past 4-3 teams, as blocking those larger and more athletic ends can be a struggle for Smith and Freiermuth.
Even when they aren’t facing these even front teams, though, there isn’t a good reason to keep Washington off the field.
Sure, this poses some long-term questions as to who gets paid (Washington will be eligible for a new deal), but we can cross that bridge when we need to. For now, the Steelers have a unique weapon to utilize on offense, and the rest of the NFL has just been put on notice.