Forget about Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf for a second, because when Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr looked at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ star-studded offense, only one guy got tagged as a “conflict piece”: Darnell Washington. This fourth-year tight end might not have eye-popping stats, but Kuhr is ringing the alarm bells, calling him a “big” challenge for the New England defense this Sunday.
The Size and the Skills That Scare
What makes Washington such a headache for the Patriots? Kuhr laid it out simply: “He’s athletic. Obviously, his size and strength are no joke.” This dude stands at 6-foot-7, 264 pounds, making him Rodgers’ tallest weapon out there. But it’s not just his frame. Kuhr has seen it on tape from last year and last week, Washington is “great in the run game.” He gets the ball and can “make the first one miss if you’re not playing great technique taking him down.” When a defensive coordinator singles out a tight end like that, you know it’s not hype. He’s “a great piece to have” for the Steelers, no doubt, and the Patriots know they’re in for a physical battle.
Beyond the Box Score, A Scheme Nightmare
Washington, a 2023 third-round draft choice, has played in 53 games for the Steelers. In his one-plus seasons with Rodgers, he’s been targeted 45 times, turning those into 33 catches for 382 yards and a single touchdown. While those numbers don’t exactly scream “superstar,” Kuhr stressed that Washington isn’t “just like a check-down guy.” The Steelers run “any type of route with him,” even vertical routes. He’s got “great hands and he’s a runner after the catch.” That’s why he’s a “conflict piece.” You have to commit to him in the run game, but then he can burn you deep or turn a short pass into a nightmare. The Patriots’ second-year play-caller knows this guy presents a unique problem, making the defense account for him across the field.
The Sunday Showdown: Can the Patriots Hold Him?
So, all eyes on Sunday for this Patriots-Steelers showdown. Kuhr and his defense are “well aware” of the problem Washington creates. Their strategy? “As long as we play to our identity and our style, and we play within our scheme, hopefully we’re in a good spot with that.” That sounds like a plan, but stopping a “conflict piece” like Darnell Washington is easier said than done. It’s going to take perfect technique and disciplined play to keep him from wrecking their game plan. This matchup isn’t just about Rodgers, it’s about handling the big man who opens everything else up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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