Radio hosts provide an interesting analysis of the Steelers offense

Pat Kirwin and Jim Miller, former Steelers quarterbacks and hosts of Moving the Chains on NFL Radio on SiriusXM, provided interesting analysis about how Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith might utilize Darnell Washington.

According to Kerwin, the Steelers underutilized Darnell Washington in 2023. He made a valid point. Given Washington's enormous size, it's understandable that they primarily used him for blocking - to protect the quarterback or open rushing holes. While he performed this role well, they missed opportunities to fully utilize his size by not throwing to him more in the passing game.

The hosts provided insightful analysis, giving listeners a glimpse into Arthur Smith's potential strategies. They speculated that Smith might increase Washington's involvement in the Steelers offense.

Their analysis of Arthur Smith and Darnell Washington

Pat Kerwin quickly pointed out that there is an ongoing debate over the Steelers' wide receivers. With Diontae Johnson now gone, there is speculation over who might be the number two receiver. Will it be Calvin Austin, or could Roman Wilson take that spot? That's the central question: How far does Wilson progress? If not Wilson, maybe Scotty Miller or Van Jefferson will make an impact.

Questions still remain about who the clear number two will be, so the trade rumors involving Aiyuk and Lamb will continue. However, if no trade happens (which seems unlikely), and assuming that doesn't happen, people will wonder how the Steelers and Arthur Smith will proceed with the Steelers offense.

Kerwin quickly noted that Smith probably loves the Steelers tight end room. Especially Darnell Washington, who he felt the Steelers underutilized in 2023. With the questions surrounding the wide receivers, they opened the possibility that Arthur Smith might run a 12-personal offense instead of an 11-personal offense

Why Smith should run the 12-personnel offense

The difference between the two formations is that 11 personnel use one running back and one tight end, while 12 personnel utilize one running back and two tight ends. Interestingly, this was brought up. Some time ago, there was speculation that Smith might consider using Pat Freiermuth as the slot receiver due to uncertainties about who would fill that role this season.

It seems that Smith is considering the scenario that came up earlier in the off-season. Pat Kerwin mentioned that using a 12-personnel formation would benefit Najee Harris in the running game and allow the Steelers to involve Washington in the passing game. Like many others, Kerwin admires Washington's size and believes he could be a valuable target.

During the conversation, Jim Miller mentioned that most NFL teams typically use 11 personnel instead of 12 personnel, except the 49ers. Both Miller and Kerwin agree that there's no guarantee the Steelers will use a 12-personnel formation, but they believe that Arthur Smith, the offensive coordinator, is the most likely to do so or be open to it.

As a result, it's unclear how Arthur Smith will approach the Steelers offense. However, the Steelers tight ends could play a significant role in 2024, and Darnell Washington may have a good chance of making a significant impact.