The Pittsburgh Steelers need answers on offense after a disappointing Week 2 performance against the New England Patriots. With the Cincinnati Bengals coming to town in Week 3, the Steelers have another opportunity to prove they can move the football consistently and create explosive plays. If they want to do that, they may need to lean on two players who could exploit a specific potential weakness in Cincinnati’s defense.
Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington have the potential to be major factors in this matchup. The Bengals have shown some improvement defensively through two games, but there are still opportunities for opposing tight ends to make an impact. For the Steelers to take advantage, though, their offensive line must give Aaron Rodgers enough time to get the ball to them downfield.
Why Freiermuth and Washington Are Primed For a Big Game
Through two games, the Bengals defense has allowed 17 receptions for 200 yards to opposing tight ends. While their defense has been much better than in years past, it is clear that the Steelers have a matchup they can potentially exploit.
Ironically, the Steelers had a tough time against the Patriots’ tight ends last week. However, if Pittsburgh is looking for a way to jump-start its offense, it must continue getting its tight ends involved.
That does not mean Freiermuth alone. Washington must also become a bigger part of the passing game rather than being used primarily as a run blocker. Both tight ends had a big Week 1, and Freiermuth has emerged as the Steelers’ leading receiver through two games.
The key will be creating opportunities for both players downfield and in the intermediate areas of the field. Houston Texans tight ends averaged 6.5 yards in average depth of target against Cincinnati’s defense, resulting in 14 receptions for 174 yards.
The biggest question is not the Steelers’ ability at tight end or even their quarterback. Instead, it is whether the offensive line can give them enough time to expose this matchup.
Can the Steelers Offensive Line Hold Up?
Rodgers has faced significant pressure through two weeks. Week 2 in New England made it even more difficult to envision this offense taking the necessary step forward to become a legitimate threat.
Could it happen? Certainly. A lot can change from week to week. But there currently is not much evidence suggesting this offensive line is ready to take the necessary strides to create more opportunities downfield.
The Bengals’ defense could make that even more difficult. Cincinnati has become opportunistic thanks to its strong interior defensive line and emerging EDGE rushers. Without the offensive line doing its part, none of these offensive X-factors will matter.
The Steelers could revert to the small-ball approach they used throughout 2025, but that would provide only a temporary fix to what is becoming a larger long-term issue. This unit collectively must perform better.
If the offensive line can take even a couple of steps forward on Sunday, Freiermuth and Washington will be in position to make big plays against the Bengals defense.
