Steelers' Legend Paved The Road For Numerous Receivers In One Unusual Way

There are a few things that the Pittsburgh Steelers are known for: strong, frightening defenses, tradition of winning and elite receivers. Along with the Steelers developing receivers out of an assembly line, many of these players are also elite blockers. The Steelers have plenty of examples of their receivers making great blocks, whether it's on the highlight film or not. Hines Ward knows all about blocking, as his vicious blocks made the NFL adopt the Crackback Block rule. After him, the long line of blocking receivers starts to form. 

Which Steelers Are Most Notable For Blocking?

The NFL adopted the Crackback Block rule right after the 2008 season. Limas Sweed was able to get one more shot in before the season ended. After dropping an easy touchdown in the AFC Championship game, he took his frustrations out on Corey Ivy on a massive crackback block to give more space for Heath Miller to run. While Sweed had an underwhelming career, he still made his mark on the team by showing that he can throw some hits. 

Antonio Brown was originally a depth player and special teamer when he first got drafted by the Steelers. Even after he became a generational player, he kept the mentality of a role-player and made timely blocks. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Von Miller both credited Brown with making a key block to help give Smith-Schuster a lane for his 97-yard touchdown reception. Brown has made many blocks during his tenure with the Steelers and proved to everyone that he was more than just a route-runner and receiver.

Smith-Schuster had his own share of timely blocks. He's mostly known for blowing up Vontaze Burfict, but there are all kinds of examples of him creating space for the ball carrier. His large frame gave him a great advantage on defenders, especially when he was pulling like a tight end or offensive lineman. There were criticisms about his off-the-field activities, but when he was on the field, he was the definition of a Steelers wide receiver.

You can say a lot of things about the mid-to-late-2010s Steelers, but besides Brown wanting the ball, the Steelers receiving core was not selfish at all. The top receivers for those teams were making block after block, trying to open up lanes for the running game, as well as getting their fellow receivers more yards after the catch. This level of blocking just adds an extra dimension to a position group that's already one of the best in the league consistently.

James Washington had an underwhelming career, as he was always low on the depth chart and didn't have chemistry with anyone but Devlin Duck Hodges. However, he was able to regularly make blocks in all facets of the game. His most notable blocking moment was in 2019 when he pancaked Nik Needham to cap off a 45-yard touchdown pass for Diontae Johnson. 

Washington was never the biggest receiver, but after his rookie season, he worked out on his farm and got stronger, allowing him to make many of the blocks that he made during his time in Pittsburgh. Even with smaller receivers like him and Brown, they can still throw some key hits and blocks. It would be very fitting for Calvin Austin III to suddenly become a quality blocker despite being small. 

George Pickens made a statement in training camp and preseason during his rookie year. Everyone talked about how he struggled against press coverage, so he threw his body around to keep players from matching up in press against him. Those plays showed the pure strength that he has, which makes it not very surprising that he is a high-end blocker, especially on running plays. Even with the league constantly changing, the rookie receiver for the Steelers was still making the kind of plays that would make Hines Ward proud.

What do you think about the long list of Steelers receivers that make their impact in the blocking game? Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments below.

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