For Pittsburgh, Size Could Matter
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
It’s third-and-short on a sunny Sunday in Pittsburgh. Najee Harris flanks Kenny Pickett in shotgun formation. A run up the middle is stopped a yard behind the line of scrimmage. All is wrong in the world.
I took my girlfriend out to dinner on Saturday night. As a third-year Steelers fan, it’s noteworthy that she is obsessed. It fuels fun dinner conversation. Yes, we talk about other things, but there’s a high likelihood that we discuss the Black and Gold.
In our recent analysis of the inept Matt Canada offense, Jackie mentioned something that I haven’t thought of or seen covered.
“I think we are missing Derrek Watt” she told me over her copper mug and patty melt. She recalled his utility in short-yardage situations, either as a runner or blocker.
So as Harris was brought down for a loss on Sunday and the Steelers trotted out their punt squad again, I looked at her, impressed. She was right. How is that not a package the Pittsburgh offense has installed this season?
Moving away from Watt didn’t cause much of a ripple this offseason. From big-named signings to a stellar draft that is showing massive upside in recent weeks, the loss of a special teams player/fullback wasn’t much to cry about — especially considering JJ Watt killed all hope of joining the Steelers and capturing the third Watt Infinity Stone.
But now it seems Derek Watt’s absence, and the scheme in which he played, is needed more than ever.
The pass game is emerging. George Pickens was a top-five performer as a receiver this week, and there has been some evidence of rhythm. Hopefully, this trend will continue with the return of Diontae Johnson, whenever that is. But the run game has been flailing in the first half, and, ultimately, they are not getting the job done in what Tomlin calls the weighty downs. This was an area that the Steelers thrived in down the stretch last season.
This is not a call to re-sign Watt — certainly the Steelers can’t spare depth in any phase of the game — but it’s worth noting that Pittsburgh has the personnel currently on the roster. Darnell Washington is the obvious choice that comes to mind as a key candidate for a lead blocker. His push at the line, next to his Georgia rookie counterpart Broderick Jones is something that shows great promise.
But there are a few other options.
The Steelers could employ their newly promoted tight end Rodney Williams. The problem with that is that he will likely be relieved of his 53-man roster spot when Pat Freiermuth is healthy.
Instead, the Steelers may want to look to the other side of the ball. Andy Reid and other offensive minds in the NFL have noted that college football has become innovators and NFL teams have been pulling from them over the past few years. That’s why Derrick Henry has four career touchdown passes. It’s common to see defensive players playing snaps on the offense on Saturdays. College coaches pluck athletic defensive linemen and throw them in to blow up holes and pick up linebackers. We have those athletic, physical defensive linemen.
I know, I know, innovative offense seems to be Matt Canada’s kryptonite, but bringing someone like Keeanu Benton or Breiden Fehoko in to line up as a fullback could be the wrinkle that Pittsburgh needs in key moments.
Large men running down hill to absorb some of the hits that Harris or Warren would otherwise take could cause the pile to fall in the right direction – something Tomlin so desperately wants to happen. It provides a misdirection hand-off opportunity, making opposing defenses take pause and giving the running backs the extra second to hit the hole.
It may be a pipe dream, but something has to change. If Tomlin and Canada move this direction, Jackie said she doesn’t even want the credit, she will just be happy watching the Steelers hold on to the ball for another few plays. Who knows, maybe with all of those extra offensive snaps, the Steelers may even score multiple touchdowns in a single game.
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