Steelers' best-kept secret on pace to breakout in 2023
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of candidates that can earn the "breakout" mantra in 2023. But while the majority of candidates are coming from rookie and second-year players, there's one name not being talked about enough. Let's see who that is: TE, Pat Freiermuth Freiermuth hasn't generated the level of anticipation that pass catchers […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of candidates that can earn the "breakout" mantra in 2023.
But while the majority of candidates are coming from rookie and second-year players, there's one name not being talked about enough.
Let's see who that is:
TE, Pat Freiermuth
Freiermuth hasn't generated the level of anticipation that pass catchers like George Pickens or Calvin Austin III have, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't. One of Kenny Pickett's favorite targets down the stretch last season, I think Freiermuth will only ascend after an entire offseason with his quarterback.
And while his rookie year may have produced more touchdowns, his yardage (732) yards per catch (11.3) and targets (98) all saw considerable bumps in 2022, with another one set to come this year.
But you don't have to take my word for it, here's what Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett said about Freiermuth and his projection this season:
“We practice it, but some guys just have that natural ability to find that spot and Pat has that ability and feel on how to get open and break routes open,” Pickett told Mark Kaboly of The Athletic on behalf of "Muth's" ability to get open. “We spend a lot of time together, so it is nice to go out there and make plays like that. It’s just his football IQ and instincts. When we are at practice or are just watching the film together, his instincts … he really understands football and where to find the soft spots on the field.”
I believe those instincts, the chemistry between him and Pickett, and the insatiable appetite to compete that Freiermuth has will all lend him success this season. So much so, that come January/February, Muth will be talked about amongst the league's best at his position.
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