The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Pat Freiermuth in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He did not immediately supplant Eric Ebron last season as the starter but by the end of last season, Freiermuth had established himself as the top tight end in Pittsburgh. Some fans viewed the tight end from Penn State as a luxury pick, much like Najee Harris in the first round, when the team’s needs on the offensive line were apparent. He quickly became a fan favorite on the field and the traditional “Heath” chants turned into “Muth.”
Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end, Heath Miller and his family made an appearance during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 30, 2022. | Jordan Schofield/ Credit: Steeler Nation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Outside of Pittsburgh, NFL fans don’t realize how beloved Heath Miller was as a Pittsburgh Steeler. A rookie tight end who presented as a competent blocker and reliable pass target took just a few games to earn his own yell whenever he caught a pass. Freiermuth announced to the rest of the NFL on Sunday that he is more than just a Steelers fan favorite. He is a weapon and unlike most of the rest of the current crop of Pro Bowl tight ends, he is more than just a pass catcher.
Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
George Kittle is a good blocker, but Darren Waller, Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews are much more at home running routes than engaging linebackers on running plays. Complete tight ends don’t often rise to Pro Bowl levels in the modern NFL. Despite a long effective career, Heath Miller only made two Pro Bowls in 11 seasons. Freiermuth is only 23 years old, and he will have plenty of opportunities to pass the top three tight ends in the years to come. After Sunday at Paycor Stadium, he seems intent on proving that time has come in the deeply talented AFC tight end pool.
Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
The former Penn State Nittany Lion was the second most targeted Steelers receiver and led the team in receiving yards with 75 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He made the biggest catch of the day when Mitch Trubisky found him near midfield on an impressive scramble late in overtime. The big tight end blasted ahead for nearly 10 more yards, carrying Bengals defenders before being brought down after a 26-yard gain and moving the black and gold into Bengals territory. Two plays later he caught a 10-yard pass to put the Steelers on the 35-yard line and in position for the winning field goal from Chris Boswell.
The defense was the star of the game for the Steelers in the 23-20 thrilling overtime win. All the attention has been on George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool in the preseason as weapons in the Pittsburgh passing game. On Sunday, Freiermuth established that he may be the perfect compliment for Mitch Trubisky after making several big catches. Otis Wilson is an excellent coverage linebacker, and the Steelers' tight end won the matchup.
Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Freiermuth will have ample opportunity to exploit linebackers and smaller safeties in the weeks ahead. The Steelers receivers are a daunting task for any defense but if Trubisky must continue to get rid of the ball on the run, the Pittsburgh tight end should find himself open and available in the middle of the field. The offensive line play needs to improve but if Freiermuth can help bridge the gap by making big plays in the meantime, the Steelers offense should be effective enough to score points.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Is Pat Freiermuth becoming a star, or is he already one? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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