Photo: steelers.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally appeared to be finding some consistency on offense in Sunday’s 34-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, just as things started coming together, the team was dealt another challenge heading into Week 6.
With Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve and both Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek ruled out for Sunday’s trip to Tampa Bay, the Steelers will be without three receivers who figured prominently into their plans entering the season. Taking a closer look at Pittsburgh’s available personnel reveals several ways Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio could maintain the momentum established against Indianapolis, even with a considerably different group of players.
The good news is that the Steelers aren’t necessarily starting from scratch. Pittsburgh has several offensive weapons capable of filling different roles, and the coaching staff has spent much of the week discussing how that versatility could help offset the injuries.
However, facing a Todd Bowles defense that is known for disguising coverages and bringing pressure isn’t exactly the ideal situation for an offense trying to incorporate less-experienced receivers.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of Pittsburgh’s injury situation could be Brandon Smith, who has already earned the confidence of both McCarthy and Rodgers. The veteran receiver stepped into action against Indianapolis despite not receiving practice repetitions on some of the plays he was asked to execute.
McCarthy made it clear earlier this week that Smith has earned the opportunity to contribute more. Rodgers offered an equally encouraging assessment, recalling their time together in New York and explaining that Smith consistently made plays during practice.
That familiarity could prove particularly important against Tampa Bay. Rodgers has repeatedly emphasized the importance of preparation, communication and understanding the offense, especially when working with receivers who haven’t spent much time alongside him during games.
Smith isn’t the only option. Brandon Johnson and Isaiah Hodgins are among the players Rodgers mentioned as potential contributors, while McCarthy also acknowledged that Kaden Wetjen could factor into the team’s plans.
None of those possibilities necessarily replaces what Pittsburgh has lost at receiver. However, the Steelers aren’t asking these players to reinvent the offense. They’re looking for dependable execution from players who have been learning the system throughout the season.
Perhaps the most interesting development heading into Sunday is how Pittsburgh might utilize its tight ends. Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Robert Tonyan provide the Steelers with enough flexibility to operate with fewer traditional receivers without completely changing their offensive concepts.
Angelichio explained Monday that Pittsburgh can take plays ordinarily associated with three-receiver formations and execute similar concepts using two tight ends. The Steelers already demonstrated some of that flexibility against Indianapolis after injuries forced adjustments during the second half.
Washington, in particular, has become an intriguing piece of the offense.
His size makes him a natural asset as a blocker, but McCarthy also wants to continue developing his ability to contribute vertically in the passing game. The head coach specifically mentioned Washington’s growth in situational football and the problems he creates once he catches the football with room to run.
Freiermuth gives Rodgers another established receiving option, while Tonyan brings veteran experience and additional flexibility. Rodgers indicated Wednesday that Tonyan could receive more opportunities against Tampa Bay.
It’s an approach that could allow Pittsburgh to maintain its offensive identity while presenting different personnel combinations to the Buccaneers. Rather than forcing inexperienced receivers into every situation, the Steelers can lean on players who already understand their assignments and have established roles within the offense.
Of course, the simplest solution might be continuing to get the football into Jaylen Warren’s hands.
McCarthy didn’t leave much room for interpretation when discussing Warren’s role earlier this week, calling him Pittsburgh’s featured offensive player. That’s a significant endorsement for a running back who has emerged as one of the team’s most productive weapons through five games.
Warren’s contributions against Indianapolis illustrated why the coaching staff has so much confidence in him. His ability to turn ordinary opportunities into explosive plays has helped an offense that hasn’t always been consistent at sustaining drives.
That includes his effectiveness as a receiver. Angelichio explained that Warren’s 80-yard touchdown reception against the Colts wasn’t necessarily designed to feature him. The original concept was intended to create an opportunity for DK Metcalf, but Indianapolis brought pressure, Rodgers recognized the situation and delivered the football to Warren in the flat.
What happened afterward was the result of Warren’s playmaking ability and outstanding downfield blocking from his teammates.
That combination could be especially valuable against Tampa Bay. With Bowles likely to test Pittsburgh’s pass protection, Warren gives Rodgers an outlet who can punish aggressive defenses when they leave space underneath.
The potential return of Rico Dowdle could also help distribute the workload, although McCarthy has made it clear that Warren’s production will continue to dictate his involvement.
There is another complication to consider. Pittsburgh’s offensive improvements against Indianapolis came at home, where communication is considerably easier than it will be on the road.
Rodgers acknowledged Wednesday that handling crowd noise, making the proper checks and winning individual matchups will be important against the Buccaneers. He also praised the offensive line’s recent performance while recognizing that Tampa Bay presents a different challenge.
Bowles has built a reputation for bringing pressure from different locations and disguising defensive looks.
That means the Steelers will need more than solid blocking up front. Their backs, tight ends and receivers must recognize their responsibilities, and Rodgers will need to identify where the football should go before the pressure arrives.
That’s where the injuries could become particularly problematic. Chemistry between a quarterback and his receivers doesn’t develop overnight, and Rodgers acknowledged that the strongest connections eventually reach a point where communication becomes almost automatic.
The Steelers simply don’t have that luxury with everyone who could be called upon Sunday.
For all the attention surrounding Pittsburgh’s receiver injuries, there is an opportunity here for the Steelers to demonstrate that their offensive success doesn’t depend entirely on one particular personnel grouping.
McCarthy and Angelichio have talked about the importance of identifying what their players do best and building around those strengths.
Through five games, Warren’s versatility, Washington’s development and the flexibility of Pittsburgh’s tight ends have provided some answers.
The Steelers also enter this matchup with encouraging signs from their offensive line and a quarterback who has continued to develop connections with his teammates.
None of that guarantees success against Tampa Bay, particularly if the Buccaneers can generate pressure and force Pittsburgh into obvious passing situations. But it does give McCarthy several ways to attack a defense without relying exclusively on a traditional three-receiver offense.
Sunday will provide another opportunity to determine just how far that flexibility can take the Steelers. The receiving corps may look different, but the expectations for Pittsburgh’s offense shouldn’t change.
