Pittsburgh Steelers fans expected a big primetime showcase for their tight ends on National Tight Ends Day. Unfortunately, the black and gold fell victim to a breakout performance from the opposing tight end.
Tucker Kraft had seven catches for 143 yards and two scores, not just outpacing every other tight end on position’s holiday, but every other pass catcher across the league on Sunday. The Steelers’ struggles against tight ends weren’t exaggerated heading into the matchup.
But the Green Bay Packers came into the matchup with their own struggles covering the big guys. That didn’t translate, however, as Pittsburgh’s deep tight room was largely kept in check on the night.
National Tight Ends Day proved cruelly ironic for Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers' tight ends were held to just five catches for 30 yards against Green Bay, the worst performance any offense has seen from its tight ends against the Packers this season. Pat Freiermuth had the edge in catches over Jonnu Smith, who picked up four extra yards comparatively. If you want to count Spencer Anderson’s catch, go right ahead. It only adds four yards to the tally.
Darnell Washington did get a target on the Steelers’ two-point try in the fourth quarter, but he drew a pass interference penalty. Smith subsequently dropped the follow-up two-point try from the 1-yard line. Otherwise, Freiermuth and Smith each had a drop that will stick in the record book.
Surprisingly, where the tight ends fell short, others stepped up to a point. Roman Wilson had his best game as a pro, catching four passes for 75 yards and his first career touchdown, while Calvin Austin III caught four balls for 28 yards in his return to the lineup.
For the first time this season, the Steelers' top three pass catchers were wide receivers, which would be a good sign if not for the poor outing from the tight ends and the L given by the scoreboard.
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Surprisingly, Pittsburgh couldn’t get its tight ends more involved beyond the extra attention paid by the Packers’ defense. The quick pressure from Micah Parsons and company had Rodgers looking for short throws all night, but he just couldn’t connect with his usually dependable assortment of tight ends.
It’s an unfortunate outcome considering the occasion and the perceived favorable matchup coming into the contest. Hopefully, the influx of production at wide receiver is here to stay, though not at the expense of the dynamic tight ends on the roster.