Diving into the dynamics of the Steelers' tight end trio reveals a blend of unique talents that can reshape the offense's approach. Jonnu Smith stands out as a pure pass catcher with a remarkable ability to run smooth routes and showcase excellent hands, though his blocking skills run into some challenges. Pat Freiermuth, who led the team with 65 receptions, also excels as a receiver, but similar to Smith, his blocking at the point of attack remains a work in progress. Adding to the mix, Zach Gentry brings crucial run blocking skills, grading at 67.7 last season.
Expect an array of intriguing personnel packages as the team explores different combinations like 11, 12, and 13 personnel, and even possible 04 looks with Smith in the backfield. However, while creativity is essential, emphasis on blocking cannot be overlooked. With Arthur Smith’s run-heavy philosophy, both Muth and Smith need to step up their run blocking to effectively support the ground game, ensuring that the Steelers' offense remains versatile and effective.
Derrick Harmon is the player we expected him to be: big, strong, and athletic. The Steelers needed to inject youth and agility into their defensive lineup, and Harmon embodies that. With his powerful hands, he has the ability to control the line of scrimmage. While he may not always make the highlight reel, don’t let that discourage you; defensive linemen often play a crucial role by occupying blockers, allowing linebackers to make plays. However, we need Harmon to take that next step and become a disruptive force on the field. His impressive stat of leading the NCAA in defensive line pressures in 2024 shows he has the potential to elevate the pass rush, something the Steelers have missed consistently. Paired with Cam Heyward, Harmon could become the next standout Steelers defensive tackle.
Aaron Rodgers has profoundly shifted the mindset of the Steelers' offense, fostering an environment where players are determined not to let him down. In a revealing interview on ""The Pivot,"" Jalen Ramsey highlighted that Rodgers' talent and ability remain untouched, creating a culture focused on seeking his approval and elevating performance. His seasoned experience and calm demeanor are holding players accountable, pushing them to excel on the field. While the quarterback position has posed challenges for the Steelers in recent seasons, this year presents a different narrative. With Rodgers at the helm, decision-making is expected to improve significantly, positively influencing the entire offensive unit. Unlike his previous role with the Jets, where he was required to be a savior,
Success in 2025 for the Pittsburgh Steelers hinges on several key benchmarks that extend beyond just a winning record. While maintaining 18 consecutive seasons without a losing record is commendable, it’s no longer sufficient in this results-driven league. With the fierce competition in the AFC North, including a potentially elite Ravens roster and a high-flying Bengals offense, the Steelers will need a minimum of 12 wins to claim the division title. Anything less could be detrimental, especially as there’s no room for slipping into a ""Tomlin Game.""
Moreover, after going eight years without a playoff win, the urgency to break this streak is palpable. The last five postseason appearances have largely resulted in blowouts, with the exceptions being a narrow loss to the Jaguars in 2017. Success must therefore be measured by winning a playoff game and demonstrating competitiveness in subsequent rounds. Ultimately, while the Super Bowl remains the goal, the path toward that glory begins with tangible postseason victories—no excuses allowed!
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