When the Pittsburgh Steelers added tight end Jonnu Smith as part of the Jalen Ramsey-Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, fans and analysts alike were curious to see how offensive coordinator Arthur Smith would work him into the offense. With Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington already forming a strong duo at the position, adding another starting-caliber player didn't make a ton of sense.
So far, it looks as though whatever the plan was hasn't worked out. The trio has combined for just 156 on 30 targets for a measly 5.2 yards per target. They have also scored just one touchdown between them, and that was on a pop pass at the goalline by Smith.
With the Steelers averaging just 183.5 yards passing per game so far, something must change with how the playmakers are being deployed. Things saw a major shift in the Week 4 win over the Vikings, with Washington getting the bulk of the snaps to help out in the run game.
While I like seeing Washington out there more, they have to find a way to get Smith and Freiermuth more involved if this passing game is going to take a step forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers must get their talented group of tight ends going in the passing game
Aaron Rodgers has played relatively well this season, especially considering how little he has to work with. DK Metcalf has been the only true difference-maker, with guys like Jaylen Warren and Calvin Austin III doing their best to help supplement him.
Unless a trade is made or someone like Roman Wilson comes out of nowhere, better utilizing their trio of tight ends is the only way to improve things for Rodgers in the passing game.
Smith has at least gotten a decent amount of targets, but he has done very little with them. Freiermuth has been more efficient, but he has only gotten 10 targets all season. Washington is best known as a blocker, but I still believe he has untapped potential as a receiver.
Whether it's calling more plays with them as the primary target or deploying them in more creative ways, it falls on Arthur Smith to get this figured out before it's too late to do something about it.
This week against the Browns could be a great opportunity to try some things out, especially with how much they will likely have to put the ball in the air. Cleveland's run defense has been the best in the league, so having a good day through the air will be a necessity. Hopefully, the offense can finally properly get all three of them into a position to be effective.