The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their punishing, smashmouth-style defenses. This has been particularly true as the offense has struggled to find its footing since quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired a few years ago. That's why many expected the defense to completely dominate the offense during the opening week or two of 2024 training camp. That hasn't been the case, however. Instead, the new and improved offense has shown it is ready to make an impact this season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin at the start of training camp in 2024.
Camp is well underway, and the pads went on this week at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. They were running two fan-favorite drills: seven shots and backs-on-backers. The new Arthur Smith offense was seen running the ball six out of seven plays, scoring four times during seven shots. Then, the tight ends and running backs got the best of the linebackers during backs-on-backers.
Mark Kaboly, longtime Steelers reporter for The Athletic, wrote that Jaylen Warren, Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth were phenomenal. Freiermuth is entering his fourth season in the black and gold after being selected in the second round in 2021 out of Penn State.
He quickly became a fan favorite, with chants of "MUUUTTTHHH" ringing through Acrisure Stadium every time he caught a pass. However, he has never been known for his exceptional blocking abilities, but it sounds like he has been working on that, according to Kaboly.
"Not known for his blocking, Freiermuth had his way with Jeremiah Moon, prompting tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts to say: 'Get the (expletive) out of here and go catch some passes," Kaboly wrote.
Freiermuth has been targeted 224 times for 1,537 yards and has 11 touchdowns during his three seasons in the Steel City. He is expected to have a big year in 2024, with many thinking this needs to be a breakout season for him. That seems possible under Smith. During his time with the Tennesse Titans, Smith's offense flourished because of its strong run game. Running back Derrick Henry had the best season of his career, and Smith utilized his tight ends frequently.
Benjamin B. Braun | Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is known for his quiet demeanor.
The likelihood of him having a more successful season is only increased by the fact that the Steelers brought in new quarterbacks: Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. During the Kenny Pickett/Mitch Trubisky era, the ball was rarely thrown to the middle of the field, which means that Freiermuth had fewer opportunities. During Freiermuth's first season, when Roethlisberger was still under center, he had seven touchdowns, but in subsequent years, he had just two apiece.
Steelers Need To Extend Pat Freiermuth
General Manager Omar Khan has shown that he is a shrewd businessman. When considering contract extensions, he has set aside emotions and, some would say, loyalty. He has Najee Harris, Cameron Heyward, and Freiermuth all in the final years of their contracts. Harris' fifth-year option has already been turned down. He claimed he was told that the franchise is unsure about the offense and wants to wait until the season is over to decide about a potential extension.
However, Heyward and Freiermuth are still on hold. It is possible that the Steelers will extend either or both of them prior to the start of the season. Heyward has been quite clear that he wants to stay in the black and gold for the final years of his contract. However, an injury in 2023 has given many pause about how long the 35-year-old defender can last.
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Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Many of Freiermuth's inconsistencies can be chalked up to some offensive issues: the play-calling, quarterbacks and weak offensive line, but he has also struggled with injuries.
He has had multiple concussion and a hamstring injury kept him out of several games in 2023. All those factors should work in the Steelers' favor, allowing them to extend him much cheaper than they would have otherwise. If Freiermuth's blocking has improved substantially, as Kaboly indicated, it will only raise his stock.
Are you surprised to hear Freiermuth is blocking so well? Click to comment below.
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