Winning is a luxury for most franchises in the NFL. But for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s an expectation.
For nearly two decades under Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have made “The Standard” their identity — gritty, disciplined football rooted in physicality and pride. This season, that identity feels renewed. An offseason full of bold moves — from acquiring Aaron Rodgers to DK Metcalf’s arrival — made it clear that the Steelers are all-in.
But amid the headlines and star power, one of the biggest reasons for Pittsburgh’s early success isn’t a new face at all. It’s tight end Darnell Washington.
Let’s be honest — the 6-7 former Georgia Bulldog is becoming the hidden engine that keeps Arthur Smith’s offense humming. His combination of size, athleticism, and brute strength makes him a unique weapon, and Smith has finally found a way to unlock his full potential.
And truthfully, Washington’s resurgence has quietly been one of the most exciting developments in Pittsburgh’s 4-1 start.
When Washington was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, fans were buzzing about his potential. With his towering frame and run-blocking prowess, he looked like the prototype for a classic Steelers tight end. Yet, for much of his rookie season, Washington’s impact was minimal. He didn’t score his first touchdown until 2024, and for a while, it seemed like he might be another case of untapped talent lost in a crowded offense.
Not anymore.
This year, Arthur Smith’s evolving scheme has given Washington a clear purpose — and he’s running with it, literally and figuratively. His blocking ability has been essential to revitalizing the Steelers’ rushing attack, which sputtered early but has begun to show life again.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are using Darnell Washington perfectly in Arthur Smith's scheme
In Week 6, Pittsburgh rushed for 100 yards on 28 carries against one of the league’s premier run defenses. That doesn’t happen without Washington clearing paths like a human bulldozer.
But his impact doesn’t stop there. Washington is also becoming a legitimate threat in the passing game. Against Cleveland, he finished as the Steelers’ second-leading receiver with 62 yards, trailing only DK Metcalf’s 95. His presence opens up the field for Rodgers and forces defenses to respect every inch of it.
When Washington lines up, linebackers have to think twice before blitzing, and safeties are forced to stay honest.
Even Rodgers himself has taken notice of the young tight end’s growth.
“Obviously, what we’ve done with Darnell — it seems like the more playing time he gets, the more big things happen,” Rodgers told reporters after the win. “I love having Darnell out there.”
That kind of endorsement means something coming from a future Hall of Famer. It’s also validation that Washington is not just another role player — he’s a cornerstone piece of this developing offense.
What’s most encouraging is that Washington’s rise feels sustainable. He’s not just benefiting from schemed plays or mismatches; he’s earning his production through fundamentals — blocking, leverage, and timing. Those are the same traits that define Steelers football.
So while Rodgers and Metcalf draw the spotlight, and Jalen Ramsey headlines the defense, Darnell Washington might quietly be the glue holding Pittsburgh’s offensive identity together. He doesn’t need the spotlight — just the snaps. Because every time he’s on the field, big things happen. And if he keeps trending upward, the Steelers’ offense won’t just be developing — it’ll be thriving.