Former Steelers Defender Begging Pittsburgh To Increase Darnell Washington's Snaps

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been finding a way to win this season, despite struggling and having inconsistencies on both sides of the ball. Through Week 9, the Steelers sit at 5-3, and are above .500, in a three-way tie for second place in the AFC North. Despite managing to pull out wins, the team still has adjustments they need to make either because of injury, or to improve weak areas. They have been playing some of their rookies, such as Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. more than earlier in the season, but one rookie is not getting nearly enough playing time according to a former Steelers cornerback, Bryant McFadden.

McFadden now co-hosts a podcast with his cousin and current Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson, called All Things Covered. On a recent episode, the two discussed the Steelers' Thursday night victory over the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium and the team's upcoming games. 

As the Steelers are looking ahead toward playing the Green Bay Packers, one of the players that the Steelers need to get more involved, according to McFadden, is tight end Darnell Washington. The Steelers struggled with successful tight end involvement during their recent games. 

"Can we please start throwing the ball to Darnell Washington? This is a personal issue that I have. Darnell Washington is a match-up problem. When you seen this man at Georgia catch passes and route people up, why every time he just only blocking," questioned McFadden.

Peterson chimed and reminded him that Washington caught a pass during the game against Tennessee. During that game, he had one reception for seven yards.  

"A pass? That's one!?! Help me understand why we aren't doing that," continues McFadden.

Again, Peterson insists that the 6'7", 264 pound Washington's time is coming. However, the first eight games are not an indication of that. For the 2023 season so far, he has only two catches on four targets for just 17 yards. 

"I need it to happen now! It's simple logic - if you're playing a sport and one guy is bigger and taller than the person going against him, you give him the opportunity to either put a basketball in the rim or to catch a football! Pat P., you're a defender, you wouldn't wanna see 80 out there. He runs a 4.6 and he's 6'7", in cleats and a helmet, he is 6'10" and he's got a stride. Why is he a sixth offensive lineman for us," begs McFadden.

While at the University of Georgia, Washington played behind stand-out tight end Brock Bowers. This meant that he played fewer snaps than Bowers. However, it did not stop Washington from impressing NFL teams. In 2022, he had 28 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns. 

McFadden believes he can make a real difference on the inconsistent Steelers offense. Instead of using Washington though, the Steelers have been relying heavily upon second-year hybrid fullback/tight end, Connor Heyward. Through eight games, Heyward has 14 catches for 105 yards.      

"I need it to happen Sunday. Please! The man deserves more than one target. But Darnell Washington shouldn't just be a blocker."

It is not a secret that the Steelers tend to slow roll playing their rookies. Every 2023 rookie has had to work towards increasing their time on the field and Washington would be no exception. Recently Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about not using Washington at a press conference and he implied they just aren't quite ready to trust him when they are down. Since the Steelers, led by quarterback Kenny Pickett, always seem to be playing from behind, that limits how much action Washington sees. 

Steelers Need Help At Tight End  

Pittsburgh's tight end Pat Freiermuth has been struggling with injuries this season and is currently on the injured reserve. When it was announced that he would miss some significant amount of time, most fans expected to see a lot more of Washington. Washington and Freiermuth are different tight ends. Washington is a better blocker than Freiermuth, who is better with his hands.

That hasn't been the case and instead, tight end receptions have dropped significantly. Freiermuth was always one of Pickett's favorite targets. Despite the massive struggles on offense in 2022, Freiermuth had 63 receptions for 732 yards and two touchdowns.  

It remains to be seen how and when Tomlin will get Washington more opportunities on the offense and makes you wonder if the team just doesn't feel he is quite ready. 

What do you think about Washington's lack of snaps? Do you agree with McFadden that they should be getting him more involved? Click to comment below. 

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