The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their tight end corps with the addition of veteran MyCole Pruitt. This signing reunites Pruitt with his former coach, Arthur Smith, now serving as the Steelers' offensive coordinator. Many Steelers fans are curious about what type of impact Pruitt, now age 32, can bring to the offense in 2024.
youtube / The Arthur Moats experience
Steelers' MyCole Pruitt blocking during a game against the New Orleans Saints.
While Pruitt's career statistics may not stand out, his value transcends numbers. If he secures a spot on the team, he's poised to positively impact the Steelers' offense. Former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats recently analyzed Pruitt's game footage, offering Steeler Nation insight into what he brings to the table for the upcoming 2024 season.
During a breakdown of the Atlanta Falcons versus New Orleans Saints game, Moats highlighted Pruitt's potential contributions, shedding light on how his skills could enhance the Steelers' performance, particularly in critical situations like red zone plays.
“I love this because when you saw him make contact, you noticed who was delivering the blow. 85, you saw the guy from New Orleans helmet jerk back and then you see him throw his body into the other guys. From there, I just love how this dude does not give up. He’s still going.”
Moats found Pruitt's game tape highly impressive. Despite not featuring catches, the footage showcased Pruitt's crucial role in creating running lanes and providing protection for his fellow running backs. Given the Steelers expected emphasis on their running game for the upcoming 2024 season, Pruitt's skill as a blocker aligns perfectly with their offensive strategy.
“I don’t know who pi**** in your cornflakes, but man. That shows up on his tape a lot. Not to the extent that you are worried about him getting flagged, but in terms of his intensity. He blocks like he’s pis*** off. He blocks like he’s trying to make sure that you don’t even touch his ball carrier man.”
Pruitt's career trajectory experienced a significant upswing under Smith's guidance, evident during their tenure together with the Tennessee Titans and the Falcons. Impressively, all 12 of Pruitt's NFL touchdowns have been scored under Smith's coaching. Throughout his career, he's amassed 71 receptions and 748 receiving yards, all achieved under Smith's tutelage.
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Steelers' MyCole Pruitt celebrates after a big play during his time with the Atlanta Falcons.
Now, with Pruitt set to reunite with Smith in Pittsburgh, the anticipation is palpable. Moats emphasized Pruitt's unparalleled intensity as both a run and pass blocker, highlighting his exceptional qualities as a player. Pruitt's versatility extends beyond conventional metrics; he's a team-oriented player who thrives on impacting the game in various capacities beyond the box score.
His willingness to do the dirty work, coupled with his astute judgment in play engagement, sets him apart. While fiery and emotionally invested, Moats isn't concerned about Pruitt drawing penalties after the play, confident in his ability to navigate such situations with intelligence.
Steelers’ Offense In 2024 Is Set To Be Much Better Than 2023
The Steelers' offensive performance in 2023 left much to be desired, with struggles persisting throughout the season, even after Matt Canada's departure. However, the hiring of Smith as the new offensive coordinator signifies a promising shift, leveraging the team's strengths more effectively.
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Steelers' Arthur Smith during his time as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Coupled with other strategic acquisitions and potential trades for impactful wide receivers or standout draft picks, the Steelers' offense is poised for a significant turnaround in 2024. This revamped approach promises an exciting and more successful season ahead, providing a stark contrast to the defensive-heavy victories of the past.
Moats sees Pruitt as a pivotal asset in this transformation, adding depth and versatility to an offense poised for vast improvement in 2024. It’s going to be exciting for Steelers fans to see all the new faces in Pittsburgh and how they impact the team.
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