The Pittsburgh Steelers made several exciting moves this offseason, particularly in their offensive coordinator and quarterback positions. They brought in quarterback Russell Wilson on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum and welcomed Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator.
AP
Steelers' Russell Wilson talking with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
Wilson joins the Steelers after a challenging stint with the Denver Broncos. Smith is tasked with revitalizing a historically struggling offense. Both are under pressure to address the Steelers' issues of the 2023 season. While much attention has been given to the Steelers' receiving corps, some pundits believe this may be overstated.
Smith is known for involving tight ends in the passing game, and he has a talented group to work with, including Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt, and Darnell Washington. Pruitt, a veteran, struggled before teaming up with Smith. However, he started scoring touchdowns once being coached by Smith.
Freiermuth is expected to be the standout tight end, with some predicting production comparable to a wide receiver two. Heyward is a versatile player known for stepping up when needed, and Washington was drafted for his exceptional athleticism and blocking ability.
Wilson believes it would be wise for the Steelers to target Washington more in the passing game. Speaking to the media at the start of training camp, Wilson expressed his excitement about connecting with Washington during the 2024 season.
"I'm excited to see Big Darnell Washington," Wilson said. "The guy's how big? He looks like he's 6'9". He looks like he should be playing for the USA Men's Basketball team. He's just a freak athlete, so we wanna get him the ball too. It's just a plethora of guys that can make plays."
It's not surprising that Wilson, known for his unwavering positivity, is optimistic about his new weapons in Pittsburgh. He has expressed excitement about every player on the offensive side of the ball, both on social media and in offseason interviews.
Wilson is particularly eager to connect with George Pickens. However, he has also been highly complimentary of speedy, under-the-radar wide receiver Calvin Austin III, praising his quickness and potential. The Steelers will need contributions from multiple players in the receiving game to be successful.
Associated Press
Steelers' Calvin Austin III breaks away for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 of the 2023 season.
Since drafting Washington, fans have debated his role in the passing game. Though Washington wasn't drafted primarily as a pass-catcher, he has demonstrated that capability. While some pundits argue against giving him more targets, Wilson, who has worked with a variety of tight ends throughout his career, sees something special in Washington and aims to involve him more in the 2024 season.
Steelers' Darnell Washington Could See More Targets In 2024
In the 2023 season, Washington had just 10 targets, catching seven passes for 61 yards. It will be interesting to see how Smith plans to utilize his tight ends this season. While Freiermuth is expected to receive the majority of targets, Smith has a history of distributing the ball evenly. It's likely that at least two of the Steelers' tight ends will play significant roles in the receiving game throughout the season.
Peter Joneleit / AP Photo
Steelers' Darnell Washington runs with the football before a game.
Overall, Wilson's enthusiasm for his new teammates is palpable, and his optimism bodes well for the Steelers' offense. The combination of seasoned players and emerging talents could make for an exciting and productive season, especially if Wilson and Smith can effectively utilize all their offensive weapons.
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