The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, improving to 3-0 on the season as the hype around the team continues to grow. Justin Fields delivered another solid performance, and the defense dominated in the second half. Even critics are starting to turn into believers.
Fields made several impressive throws throughout the game, including a key pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth on the final drive of the first half. Unfortunately, Freiermuth couldn’t hold on to the ball, and the Steelers gained just six more yards on the drive. Chris Boswell then attempted a 62-yard field goal, but it fell well short.
Freiermuth’s drop was a crucial moment that kept the Steelers from tying the game before halftime, going into the break trailing 10-7. After the game, Freiermuth took full accountability for the missed catch, acknowledging that he needs to make those plays in the future.
"I just dropped it," Freiermuth said. "That was ridiculous by me. I should have caught that. I'm paid to make those plays, so l've got to learn from that and make that play next time."
It was a relatively straightforward catch, making it all the more frustrating to see Freiermuth drop the ball. For a player of his caliber, and with the expectations fans have for him this season, it was a disappointing moment.
Many in Steeler Nation are looking to Freiermuth to take a significant leap forward in 2024, especially with the arrival of Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, who is known for getting the best out of tight ends. However, through three games, Freiermuth has yet to fully meet the high expectations. While he’s managed 12 receptions for 99 yards, those numbers haven't quite captured the breakout season fans had hoped for.
The Steelers showed their belief in Freiermuth by signing him to a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension. That kind of investment comes with pressure, and Freiermuth understands the responsibility. He knows he was paid to make those critical plays and will no doubt learn from this mistake. He’s determined to make the catch next time, proving himself as a reliable target for the offense.
While the Steelers' offense has been steady, controlling the tempo of each game, it hasn't exactly lit up the scoreboard. The unit has managed to stay in control, but the explosive plays that fans crave have yet to fully materialize. Against the Chargers, that changed, as Fields connected with Calvin Austin III for a huge 55-yard touchdown.
Steelers fans are still eagerly waiting for the offensive fireworks, particularly from Freiermuth, who has the potential to be a key difference-maker this season. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on him to deliver those big moments and become the offensive weapon Pittsburgh expects him to be.
Freiermuth was expected to be one of the league's premier tight ends by now. While he’s well on his way, his progress has been hindered by spending much of his career in a struggling offensive system.
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Expected To Be A Huge Part Of The Offense
His rookie season was a bright spot, as he benefited from catching passes from the legendary Ben Roethlisberger, resulting in the most productive year of his career. With the offense now finding its rhythm under new leadership, fans are eager to see Freiermuth surpass his rookie numbers and become a bigger focal point in Pittsburgh’s attack.
The Steelers are shaping up to be a formidable team, with a winning formula in place. It will be intriguing to see how Smith continues to incorporate Freiermuth into his system, especially as the momentum begins to swing in the Steelers' favor. The team is starting to turn heads and be seen as legitimate contenders.
However, with the season still in its early stages, questions remain about the offense’s overall consistency. If Pittsburgh truly wants to establish itself as a contender, Freiermuth will need to step up and make those critical catches. His performance could be the key to unlocking the full potential of this offense and pushing the Steelers into the upper echelon of the league.
