In the Film Room With Pat Freiermuth: Breaking Down His Second Touchdown Grab

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers’ 29-27 nail-biting win over the Chicago Bears certainly did not lack theatrics. In fact, the Steelers allowed the Bears to creep in through self-created adversity that simply put them on their heels. However, one of the players who were instrumental in the win throughout was tight end Pat Freiermuth. With his two touchdown grabs, Freiermuth continues his ascent as one of the most promising young tight ends in the league.

While his first touchdown was a solid scramble drill with Ben Roethlisberger, his second touchdown was even more impressive. It was a leaping, missing grab over Kindle Vildor.

The Bears put Vildor in straight man coverage and it is his job to guard Freiermuth throughout this route. The size mismatch is just huge here, however. Vildor is not even 6-foot tall and Freiermuth towers over him by seven inches. That is exactly what the Steelers exploit in this area. Freiermuth goes up and high points the ball and with solid ball control and strong hands, he is able to bring this one in. It is teach tape for combat catches. As Freiermuth said, however, they never even hit this play in practice.

“That was an out and up,” Freiermuth said. “You know, we repped that a decent amount in practice and I don’t think we completed it once. It’s awesome that we were able to execute at that moment.”

Roethlisberger said he’s “pretty confident” in Freiermuth being able to make that kind of play, with an important caveat:

“He’s still a rookie.”