Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Shows Love To Biggest Rival: "He's A Beast"

The Pittsburgh Steelers play in what is likely the most difficult division in the NFL. Every team in the AFC North ranks near the top when it comes to strength of schedule for the 2024 season, and that is because they all have to face one another twice a year. Three teams in the division made the postseason in 2023, and it is extremely competitive. Pittsburgh's biggest rival in the league is arguably the Baltimore Ravens, and tight end Pat Freiermuth recently praised one of their star defenders.

Freiermuth is looking to have his best season yet in 2024, which will be his first year in an offense that isn't run by Matt Canada, who seemed to forget Freiermuth existed at times. Barstool Sports blogger, Marty Mush, has a video series going titled Marty Versus where he takes on professional athletes one-on-one in their sport. His most recent installment was with Freiermuth, and Mush asked the tight end who the toughest players to go against in coverage were in the NFL.

"Probably Fred Warner for sure, and then Kyle Hamilton, he's a beast. He's really good."

Due to Freiermuth playing tight end, he is usually dealing with linebackers and safeties while running routes. Oftentimes, this is an advantage for tight ends, as linebackers vary when it comes to speed and man coverage skills. However, Fred Warner is one of the best defensive players in the league. The two squared off in Week 1 of the 2023 season, and Warner held Freiermuth to just one reception, albeit it was a touchdown.

Freiermuth sees Kyle Hamilton more often than Warner, as the two square off twice a season in the AFC North. The two didn't meet once in 2023, as Freiermuth was hurt for the first matchup against Baltimore and Hamilton sat out in Week 18 due to the Ravens already locking up the one seed in the AFC.

In 2022, both players played in each game against one another. Pittsburgh and Baltimore split the season series, each winning once. Freiermuth totaled 6 receptions in the two games, recording 135 yards and a touchdown. This was Hamilton's rookie year, and he has since made a lot of improvements as a player. Hamilton was named a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro for his performance during the 2023 season, solidifying himself as one of the best safeties in the league.

Freiermuth is entering the last year of his rookie contract with the Steelers, but should be expected to land an extension before the season begins. If he does, this is a matchup that can be anticipated every season for the foreseeable future -- especially with Freiermuth's increased usage that is expected to come in Arthur Smith's offense.

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Expected To Breakout In 2024

Freiermuth had his best season during his rookie year in 2021 when he was catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger. He had the second highest yardage total of his career while catching 7 touchdowns. Roethlisberger retired after that season, and has since been vocal about the lack of involvement of Freiermuth in the offense. 

In 2023, Freiermuth struggled with injuries as he played in just 12 games. He was targeted just 47 times and caught 32 passes for just 308 yards. It was by far the worst season of his young career, but he should be able to bounce back in Smith's offense. Smith's scheme is favorable towards tight ends, and the Steelers have limited options at receiver behind George Pickens.

Due to the lack of help at receiver, it should be expected for Freiermuth to be relied upon a lot in the passing game. He could be considered an X factor when it comes to the success of the offense. He has shown he can produce at a high level when he sees the necessary targets, Smith just needs to get him involved and Freiermuth needs to stay healthy.

What do you think of Freiermuth's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!

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