Derrick’s Dudes & Duds: Pat Freiermuth Comes Alive, Jaylen Warren Quiet (+)

Most of the Pittsburgh Steelers wins this season have felt yucky in one way or another. However, today’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals felt like the most complete, fulfilling achievement in quite some time. The run game and defense continued to hum and the quarterback had his best game of the season. Even if it came against an inferior opponent, this formula feels somewhat both sustainable and replicable. Here are some noteworthy players who played a big part in the result.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 26, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Dude- Pat Freiermuth

Welcome back to the offense, #88! As noted earlier in the week, Freiermuth had a perfect matchup against a Bengals defense that has been obliterated all season long by tight ends. The Penn State product delivered his best of the season, with nine grabs for 129 yards including a pair of explosive plays down the middle. Pittsburgh has been struggling to get their aerial attack going this year but now with Freiermuth healthy and reintegrated back into the offense, things are looking up.