Since quarterback Russell Wilson stepped into the beginning lineup in Week 7 towards the New York Jets, the function of second-year tight finish Darnell Washington has continued to develop for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Previous to Wilson’s insertion into the beginning lineup, Washington was seldom used within the passing sport, serving primarily as that in-line blocking tight finish. In that function, Washington was having loads of success, serving as that additional offensive lineman who helped filter house within the run sport. To be truthful, Washington made some performs within the passing sport, however they had been simply too far and few between.
However now, with Wilson underneath heart, Washington’s function as a receiving tight finish is increasing, and that was on full show in Week 11 towards the Baltimore Ravens.
Washington had two receptions for 42 yards, stretching the seam vertically on each receptions as Wilson confirmed confidence and luxury focusing on him down the sector. Even on the ill-advised throw from Wilson in the long run zone on a soar ball to Washington that bought intercepted, there was confidence and luxury in focusing on the large tight finish from Wilson’s perspective.
For former Steelers QB Charlie Batch, it’s fairly clear in current weeks that Wilson could be very comfy with Washington, which is resulting in what seems to be an expanded function.
“I imply, to take a seat again and throw him two passes in that method, particularly one in the midst of the sector, I’m like, ‘Whoa, what’s this? That’s a [Pat] Freiermuth play.’ However Darnell, to his credit score, he’s engaged on his craft, and he’d been challenged since he got here in right here in 12 months 2. You must develop on the passing sport when you wanna evolve on this league,” Batch stated of the consolation between Wilson and Washington, in keeping with audio through 102.5 WDVE. “And certain sufficient he’s doing that. Russell is feeling comfy with him, and clearly they weren’t in a position to join on that soar ball.
“It simply looks like Darnell was like, ‘Okay, yeah, that’s, that’s behind me. That ball’s too tall.’ Like, ‘Nicely, Darnell, you might be 6-8, I believe you’ll be able to soar up and a minimum of try and get it.’ That didn’t occur.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged in his press convention Monday that he needs Wilson wouldn’t have thrown the soar ball in that second due to the scenario of the sport and the rating, but it surely’s comprehensible why Wilson tried to offer Washington — at his measurement — a chance to climb the ladder and make a play.
Exterior of the end-zone gaffe, it was nice to see Washington stretching the sector vertically and getting some seam photographs from Wilson within the passing sport, which paradoxically opened issues up for the Steelers’ offense within the second half.
Since Wilson stepped into the beginning lineup, Washington has seen 12 targets, in comparison with seven within the first six video games of the season. His function could be very clearly rising, however for Batch it’s not coming on the expense of a man like Pat Freiermuth though he has seen simply 10 targets since Wilson stepped into the lineup.
“This simply may have been a one-game pattern, proper? Since you’re taking part in the Ravens, you need to get on the market and use these larger our bodies, however I absolutely anticipate Pat Freiermuth to get again in there and proceed to be within the lineup as a result of that’s why you paid him to be part of it,” Batch stated. “So I simply suppose it’s simply, it might be a game-by-game foundation.
“However that man Darnell, he is a big man. For those who ever stood throughout his man, he’s 6-8. He seems like he’s each little bit of 300, if he’s not. That dude, I simply, I’d love for [him] round him as my bodyguard. I promise you that.”
It shouldn’t be something to fret about shifting ahead with regards to Freiermuth in comparison with Washington. It’s drawback to have for the Steelers with two pass-catching tight ends who could make performs by way of the air.
Getting Freiermuth extra concerned is essential, however Wilson unlocking Washington within the passing sport is sort of enjoyable and provides the Steelers one other chess piece with which to work.
