Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers had an unlikely wide receiver step up against the New York Jets in Week 1.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 1 with their No. 2 wide receiver situation still unsolved, but they had an unlikely player rise to the occasion in their 34-32 win over the New York Jets.
Wide receiver Ben Skowronek scored the Steelers’ first touchdown of the season on a 22-yard catch-and-run from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Head coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t shocked to see Skowronek find the end zone, though.
“He’s got an unwavering belief in self,” Tomlin said. “We kid him a lot. Sometimes it’s unrealistic, but man, if you don’t believe in you, who will? He’s one of those guys that has big-time belief in self.”
Skowronek’s touchdown was his only target and catch of the afternoon, but his impact on the game didn’t stop there. He also recorded a tackle and key fumble recovery on special teams.
That is why he always treats every play like he is the No. 1 option.
“We’re all options every play. That’s what Aaron always tells us. Run every route to get open,” Skowronek said. “I wouldn’t say I’m the primary. We’re all primaries.”
Only time will tell if Skowronek can continue carving out a bigger role for himself on offense, but he believes he developed a special connection with Rodgers during training camp that could help him do just that.
“Maybe all that custard that we got in Latrobe every night, maybe it paid off a little bit,” Skowronek added. “Glad to have him with the Steelers. It’s fun to play with him. Everyone’s an option when he’s back there with the ball.”
Skowronek joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad last season and was eventually signed to the active roster. He finished the year with five catches for 69 yards as well as two fumble recoveries and seven special teams tackles.
Alan Saunders and Brenden Howe provided reporting for East Rutherford N.J.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Unlikely Steelers Receiver Draws Praise From Mike Tomlin
