Steelers OC Arthur Smith Explains Pat Freiermuth’s Limited Role in Loss to Ravens: ‘It’s Not Like You’re Icing Somebody Out’
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was on a tear prior to Saturday’s 34-17 loss the Baltimore Ravens. In the three games before Baltimore, Freiermuth reeled in 12 catches for 138 yards to go along with his three scores, a touchdown in each game.
Freiermuth’s hot streak came to halt against Baltimore, however, as he recorded three receptions on three targets for only 16 yards. In Week 11, Baltimore held Freiermuth to a season-low two catches for 14 yards. The Ravens have just had Freiermuth’s number, but there were chances for the Steelers to capitalize. Freiermuth was wide open on several occasions.
“Yeah, whenever they started the target thing, it’s just not a reality of how the game is played,” Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said on Monday. “I only say that because I think Pat [Freiermuth] — and you can ask him this; this isn’t just coach-speak — you’re the primary on a lot of things, obviously the coverage dictates a lot. And then other than things, if the quarterback sees something and likes a better matchup, that’s where the ball goes.
“Pat I think a little bit helped us I would say in recent weeks. Pat has been pretty damn good in the red zone.When guys get the game plan, it’s not like you’re icing somebody out. It’s just whether the ball finds them or not. You may be the primary, may get a different look, something they break down, a guy gets off schedule where you’re not necessarily going to the primary target. I think Pat’s had an excellent season.”
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson also raved about his star tight end.
“I think anytime Pat touches the football for us is a good thing,” Wilson said. “He helps us really attack the field vertically, attack it in the edges. Just he knows how to get first downs for us. He did a good picking up some big first downs last week. And so we trust him in every way.”
The Steelers need to have a bigger role for Freiermuth in Wednesday’s crucial game against the 14-1 Kansas City Chiefs.
Freiermuth was clearly frustrated after the loss to Baltimore, giving a lot of one-word answers.
“We just got to execute better,” he said.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
Read This Next
