Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has High Praise For One Explosive Area On Offense: "Certainly An Advantage For Us"

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers was excellent throughout the majority of the contest and was credited with 235 yards and two touchdowns. Pittsburgh will look to continue playing at a high level against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night as the Steelers find themselves playing two crucial AFC North matchups in back to back weeks.

Pittsburgh was able to involve multiple playmakers on offense throughout Sunday's matchup. DK Metcalf led the team in receiving yards, but Rodgers was able to target Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith on numerous occasions. The Steelers' tight end room has yet to make a major impact in the passing game this season, but that could quickly change should Rodgers start targeting them more consistently.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was recently asked for his thoughts on the tight end room, with Tomlin emphasizing the diversity and play-making ability that the room has as a whole.

"I think it's certainly an advantage for us," Tomlin stated. "We got a diverse skill set and a lot of talent in that room. We got a big one that's capable of matching up against 4-3 ends, particularly in the run game. We have one that's an oversized athlete with excellent run after in Jonnu. We got a zone killer in Freiermuth."

Tomlin continued to mention tight end Connor Heyward, as the playmaker was able to haul in his first touchdown of the 2025 season on Sunday against the Browns.

"We got a versatile guy in Connor. So the diversity of talent is what makes that room as competitive as it is, and it's so helpful to us as a collective."

Smith was acquired in an offseason deal with the Miami Dolphins. The talented veteran had a career year in 2024 and Smith could quickly get back to playing at that level should Rodgers continue to target him. The dynamic tight end caught three of his four targets for 18 yards on Sunday, but Smith could emerge as a top target at Rodgers' disposal moving forward.

Washington had one of the best games of his young career against Cleveland. The massive tight end had the most receiving yards on the team outside of Metcalf as Washington hauled in 62 yards on three receptions throughout the course of the afternoon. Washington has excelled as a blocker this season, but the talented player could emerge as a major red zone threat in the future.

Steelers' Jonnu Smith Could Shine If Calvin Austin lll Misses Additional Time

Calvin Austin lll is an extremely talented playmaker who was quietly producing at a very solid rate. The young receiver suffered a shoulder injury against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 and his status leading up to Thursday night's contest is currently up in the air. Rodgers could turn to Smith as a major contributor on offense if Austin is sidelined.

Smith was a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career last season. The veteran had 884 yards on 88 receptions during his time in Miami, and Smith could quickly find himself playing at that level once again with additional targets. Pittsburgh will face the Bengals on Thursday night as Smith and the rest of the Steelers' tight end room will look to be more involved in the passing game.

The tight end room as a whole could shine if Austin is unable to play Thursday. Rodgers targeted his tight ends on a much more consistent basis against the Browns and Smith is beginning to be much more involved in the passing game. Smith and the rest of the Steelers' tight end talent will look to play at a high level against the Bengals on Thursday as Pittsburgh could make a major statement in back to back weeks against division rivals.

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