With TE Pat Freiermuth ruled out of last Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, rookie Darnell Washington was expected to step into the TE1 role for the Steelers in an AFC North showdown. While Washington did play 70% of the offensive snaps (46), it was TE Connor Heyward. He had the biggest impact at the position as he contributed as a blocker like Washington while also securing three of his four targets for 23 yards. Washington failed to bring in either of his two targets on the game.
The Film
In going back to the tape, you see Heyward operating in the role that we expected of him coming out of Michigan State in the 2022 NFL Draft, being that Swiss Army Knife utility player who could line up on the line of scrimmage, split out in the slot, or even in the backfield.