The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday night time of their first preseason opener. Whereas wins and losses don’t matter within the preseason, it’s nonetheless good to see the Steelers play properly sufficient to win. A number of gamers helped enhance their inventory too within the 31-25 victory. One of many notable performances got here from tight finish Darnell Washington. He solely caught one move for 19 yards, but it surely went for the Steelers’ first landing of the sport. Former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger showered Washington with reward for the play.
“Watching Darnell Washington run by this Jaguars secondary, he seems like a Energy Ranger, only a big, amongst Jaguar defenders,” Baldinger mentioned Sunday on Twitter. “Into the tip zone for the landing.
“You’ve gotta imagine that he’s gonna be a giant a part of this offense. You simply watch Mason Rudolph, taking part in some tall ball. [A] 6-5 quarterback to a 6-7 tight finish, and also you end in the long run zone. I’ve gotta imagine that that man is gonna have a breakout season this yr.”
It’s straightforward to see why Baldinger is worked up about Washington. The previous third-round decide is an enormous man, towering over nearly everybody on the sphere. His measurement makes him a novel asset for the Steelers, if he can develop extra as a receiver.
Washington has taken small steps as a move catcher throughout his first two NFL seasons. Whereas he’s been a dependable blocker, the Steelers are nonetheless working to unlock different elements of his recreation. Throughout his rookie yr, he didn’t do a lot as a receiver, solely catching seven balls for 61 yards. Final season he was barely higher, posting 19 catches for 200 yards and one landing.
Nonetheless, there’s clearly nonetheless room for Washington to develop within the passing recreation. This offseason, he’s talked extensively about how he’s able to take a leap in that space.
What number of alternatives Washington could have, although, stays to be seen in a crowded Steelers tight finish room. Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are each higher receivers than Washington. Subsequently, he might need a troublesome time proving himself.
There are causes to be hopeful, although. OC Arthur Smith loves using tight ends, and he’s spoken extremely of Washington. Whereas Washington could by no means grow to be Travis Kelce, the Steelers might use him as a harmful red-zone weapon. That appears like the place he may very well be handiest within the move recreation, because of his measurement. This season might see Washington proceed to ascend as a receiver.
