Watch Steelers' secret weapon take advantage of nightmarish mismatch vs. Broncos

After watching the Baltimore Ravens drop their second straight game to open the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a chance to take advantage. Heading into Week 2, Mike Tomlin's team held sole possession of first place in the AFC North and a win would keep the momentum going.

To make this happen, the Steelers needed to show signs of life in the redzone.

Against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, Justin Fields and the offense were never able to punch the ball in the end zone, and they settled for six field goals. While Pittsburgh got the win, the offense mustered up just 18 points in the game.

Early in their Week 2 contest against the Broncos, both teams went three-and-out to open the contest at Empower Field in Denver. That's when the Steelers were able to score their first touchdown of the season.

As Field drove the offense down the field, the Steelers took advantage of their secret weapon in the red zone: tight end Darnell Washington. Washington capped off the drive with a touchdown on a back-shoulder fade.

The Steelers' official 'X' account was quick to dub him the nickname 'Mt. Washington' thanks to his unmatched size at the position. At 6'7'' and 270 pounds with long arms, Washington used his remarkable frame to box out the defender and reel in the football with ease.

Steelers found a new toy for Justin Fields

Defenses will account for George Pickens in the red zone in every game they play. But if too much attention is devoted to Pittsburgh's top pass-catcher, the Steelers could make teams pay by deploying Darnell Washington.

Though Washington isn't the smoothest player in terms of running routes and creating space in the open field, his unmatched size will make him a nightmare in coverage for any linebacker or safety trying to rise up and defend the pass.

Fields' ball placement to Washington was outstanding, and he could look to his new favorite toy often thanks to the success he had capping off his first touchdown drive as a member of the Steelers.

It's nice to see the Pittsburgh Steelers strike early, and if Washington keeps playing like this, he'll have a big role on offense in 2024.