The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for drafting extremely well, especially outside of the first round. It appears that they have hit a home run with second-year tight end, Pat Freiermuth. He was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and after having a solid rookie season, was a vital piece in the team's 23-20 Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The tight end joined 102.5 DVE on Tuesday morning and talked about the big win on Sunday, quarterback, Mitch Trubisky and his hatred for all teams in the AFC North.
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (#88) warms up prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The most intriguing, and first thing, he talked about was the huge 31-yard reception he had in overtime to bring the Steelers closer to field goal range in order for Chris Boswell to kick the game winner. He wasn't even supposed to be down field based on the play design, but after the Bengals jumped offsides, he went straight up the seam in hopes of making a play.
"When there's a free play like that, when someone jumps offsides, if I'm close to the tackle, I'm supposed to stay and try to block so they can try and throw a go-ball to the receivers, but he was a little behind me so I was like, alright I'm just gonna go out there and try and get the ball so I did, and I'm glad it paid off."
Freiermuth confirmed that the play call fundamentally changes immediately after a defensive player is caught offsides.
"Yeah. It's understood. It's built in our offense and kind of a thing that's there."
The tight end went on to compliment his starting quarterback, detailing that Trubisky's veteran presence is a great asset on the field.
"I think it just shows that Mitch has been in this situation before. He's led the [Chicago] Bears to two playoff appearances and stuff, so I think he's been in those experiences and nothing phases him," Freiermuth said. "He was calm in the huddle throughout the whole entire game, telling us we gotta get this, we gotta get that and I think that he's a great leader and looking forward to building on that Week 1 victory."
Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) at 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
When asked about what it meant to get a win over Bengals to start the year, Freiermuth said it was even more enjoyable because of who the Steelers beat.
"It means a lot. Obviously, what happened last year against Cincy, you never want to go 0-2 versus a team. I think starting the season off with a win, especially against them with everything that happened last year and the comments they made towards us and stuff, it was good to finally beat them and get the season [started] on the right foot."
He wasn't shy when asked about the AFC North and which team he despises the most.
"For me, I circle Cincy just because of last year and stuff like that. I hate Cincy the most, but I hate them all."
There are many players who don't understand the nature of football in the AFC North and Freiermuth said while, head coach, Mike Tomlin preaches that no opponent is different, it's difficult to keep division games out of your mind.
"Obviously in the back of your mind, no one is hiding the fact that it's a big opponent, it's a rivalry game and yeah, the Cincinnati Bengals, if you can't get up for that game, then something's wrong with you."
How 'heads up' of a play was it for Freiermuth to get downfield in overtime and which AFC North team do you hate the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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