Simple intuitiveness would have suggested that in the absence of No. 1 wide receiver George Pickens over the past three games that Pat Freiermuth would have been a much-utilized weapon in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense.
That has not materialized. Although Freiermuth does have two touchdown receptions in that time, he had a total of only 12 targets, nine catches and 86 yards over the past three games while Pickens has been out because of a hamstring injury.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith maintained that Freiermuth is a major part of the game plan and was dismissive about those who track targets.
“It’s just not a reality of how the game is played,” Smith said. “I only say that because I think Pat — and you can ask him this; this isn’t just coach-speak — you’re the primary (receiver) on a lot of (play calls), (but) obviously the coverage dictates a lot. And then other than things, if the quarterback sees something and likes a better matchup, that’s where the ball goes.
“Pat has helped us in recent weeks. Pat has been pretty damn good in the red zone. When guys get the game plan, it’s not like you’re icing somebody out. It’s just whether the ball finds them or not. You may be the primary, may get a different look, something they break down, a guy gets off schedule where you’re not necessarily going to the primary target. I think Pat’s had an excellent season.”
Freiermuth’s six receiving touchdowns leads the team and is tied for third among all NFL tight ends. His 50 catches are second on the team, his 508 receiving yards third behind Pickens and Calvin Austin III.
During the three-game stretch without Pickens, only Austin has more catches, yards and targets for the Steelers than Freiermuth.
In a turn of phrase intended to compliment, Smith called Freiermuth “the right guy” and respected his lack of selfishness in not demanding the ball more often. Less than four months removed from signing a four-year, $48 million contract, Freiermuth’s role in the offense is secure — even if it’s not necessarily producing gaudy receiving numbers.
“I think anytime Pat touches the football for us is a good thing,” quarterback Russell Wilson said. “He helps us really attack the field vertically, attack it in the edges. Just he knows how to get first downs for us. He did a good picking up some big first downs last week. And so we trust him in every way.”