Getting into Yr 2 with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, tight finish Darnell Washington is anticipated to take a step ahead as a receiving choice within the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense.
On Saturday evening towards the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Steelers utilized Washington in a giant method, resulting in the primary landing of the preseason for the Black and Gold.
Dealing with a 2nd and 6 from the Jaguars’ 19-yard line, quarterback Mason Rudolph fired a dart up the seam to Washington, who leaped excessive and engulfed the soccer. He then dragged a defender into the tip zone to present the Steelers a 7-3 lead at EverBank Stadium.
The red-zone landing was a very long time coming for Washington. Based mostly on his utilization to date in coaching camp, Washington has been a giant a part of the passing assault, with the offense using his dimension within the crimson zone.
Based mostly on coaching camp stats from Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora, Washington has hauled in 10 of his 11 targets for 91 yards and three touchdowns, dominating all through classes in Latrobe.
He’s had an excellent camp, with longtime Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly calling him the star of it. The one actual query was if it could present up in a recreation.
Instantly, it did.
Rudolph’s throw to Washington capped a robust opening drive as Pittsburgh marched 65 yards in 9 performs with Arthur Smith having the offense popping out throwing. Rudolph accomplished all seven of his passes on the drive for 70 yards and the rating.
The Steelers’ opening drive was reasonably encouraging. The younger offensive line held up in go safety, second-year receiver Roman Wilson made some performs within the passing recreation, and Rudolph stored issues organized and on observe.
For Washington, it’s a constructive signal that he may very well be utilized within the crimson zone in a serious method this season. He’s an enormous mismatch for defenders, and he simply swallows up footballs along with his big fingers, making him a reliable weapon. Final season, Washington hauled in 19 receptions for 200 yards and a landing, scoring his first profession landing in Week 2 on the street in Denver.
