The Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business this week against the lowly Cleveland Browns, winning 23-9 thanks to a dominant defensive performance and a solid showing offensively. Even though the numbers weren't anything special, the playcalling from offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was refreshing in one key area.
The tight end position finally received the amount of attention fans were expecting, with the group earning 11 of 30 targets from Aaron Rodgers this week. We finally got to see Darnell Washington, in particular, be featured in the passing game, with three receptions for 62 yards. Jonnu Smith saw four targets come his way, finishing with 18 yards receiving to go along with a 10-yard rush on a jet sweep.
Even Connor Heyward got in on the action, catching an incredible pass from Rodgers for a touchdown on his only target.
You may have noticed that I haven't talked about Pat Freiermuth yet, and that's because he was the least productive of the four tight ends on the roster. He caught his only target of the game for 11 yards, continuing a troubling stretch for the fan-favorite. He has only been targeted four times over the past three contests, and this trend seems to be a clear indication of how the Steelers feel about their 2021 second-round pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be phasing Pat Freiermuth out of their offense
When the Steelers added Smith to an already talented group of tight ends this offseason, many assumed he and Freiermuth would form a dynamic receiving duo, allowing Washington to be the primary blocker. That hasn't materialized thus far, as Freiermuth is averaging a career-low 15.2 yards receiving per game.
That lack of production is especially frustrating after he bounced back last year from a disappointing 2023 season, finishing with 653 yards and seven touchdowns. We have already seen him be productive in Arthur Smith's offense, so what exactly is going on?
I think it is a combination of game-planning and the arrival of Rodgers.
The former MVP QB has struggled to attack the intermediate part of the field over the past two years, and that is the area of the field that Freiermuth has been most effective throughout his career. Smith, meanwhile, has been uber-productive on short throws and even throws behind the line of scrimmage.
Smith is also more explosive and dynamic with the ball in his hands, making him a great option on the many quick throws Rodgers relies on. The production hasn't come yet in that role, but the coaching staff clearly views him as the more valuable player.
Things could change, of course, but it seems like Freiermuth is the current odd man out in the passing game.