Behind the Steel Curtain
Tight end Darnell Washington has played a combined 95 snaps over the Steelers’ last two games. The next-closest Pittsburgh tight end has played 54.
Not so coincidentally, perhaps, the Steelers have also looked the best they have all season over those past two games. The team’s new jumbo package on offense with Washington at tight end has been a smash hit.
And if it’s still working, why stop?
To be clear, I think the real answer here is closer to the prevailing take surrounding the Steelers’ talented outside linebacker room — Pittsburgh has three starting-caliber tight ends and their usage should generally depend on the situation more than some being “better” than others. As I outlined in a past Steelers Read & React, Washington is the best blocker, Jonnu Smith is the best receiver, and Pat Freiermuth has the best all-around skill set.
But recently, Washington has proven himself as the best tight end for the Steelers’ current offensive identity. He’s been a massive part of unlocking their run game in recent weeks, and he’s continued to grow as a pass-catcher, with 82 receiving yards over the last two weeks.
He’s proven himself as a key piece of Pittsburgh’s winning strategy. You just can’t take him off the field.
After the Jonnu Smith trade, Washington entered the season as a consensus TE3 — a very good one, to be clear — but third on the depth chart regardless. It’s remarkable that he’s worked his way up to becoming an irreplaceable contributor on offense. The snap counts have been tilted heavily in his favor in recent weeks, and it’s hard to argue that should stop.
The middle rounds of Omar Khan’s first draft as a general manager have been paying dividends for the Steelers.
Should Darnell Washington remain the Steelers’ most-played tight end? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!
