When the Cincinnati Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers, they will be entering a nightmarish loop the likes of which we’ve only witnessed on the big screen when Dr. Strange faced Dormammu.
The Bengals did it to themselves by not drafting Washington when they had the chance, as someone suggested they should. Since then, it appears that he has made it his mission to make the front office regret that decision. Now it is too late to bargain with the imposing force, as those who cover the Steelers have come to witness firsthand.
In his press conference, Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelicho fielded a myriad of questions. However, the most-discussed topic was tight end Darnell Washington, a frequent and dreadful matchup for the Bengals’ defense, something that Pittsburgh’s media was eager to discuss.
Washington giving Angelicho plenty to talk about ahead of Bengals matchup
Against the Bengals, Washington has made some highlights and, frankly, unforgettable plays while embarrassing Cincinnati’s defensive players in the process.
This season, Washington leads the team in yards per reception. He is fourth in receiving yards, second in touchdowns, and fifth in receptions for the Steelers.
Of Washington’s receiving prowess and connection with Aaron Rodger this year, Angelicho stated:
“Darnell is consistent. It’s great to see. I think there’s a trust factor with him and Aaron. There’s a trust factor with him and this team. When he gets the ball in his hands, good things are going to happen. And he’s such a big body, even when he’s covered, he’s not covered. He’s got the height advantage. He’s got the size advantage. His strength, you can’t go around him or through him as a DB. So, he’s a tough cover, and certainly, he’s made some big plays for us.”
Angelicho would go on to field a question about Washington’s clear advantage he has in the red zone as an alternative to throwing to DK Metcalf when he noted, “We feel that Darnell is capable of going up and producing. Certainly we have some plays that are in for him down there. He’ll get some opps for that.”
This is something the Bengals are aware of yet seem unable to stop, leaving them in the unenviable position of only hoping to contain Washington in the passing attack.
Pittsburgh’s media expecting an impact from Washington against Bengals
It’s no wonder that Pittsburgh’s media pool was full of questions about Washington’s run-after-the-catch and red zone abilities. They are expecting him to have a significant role against Cincinnati’s defense.
The last time the Steelers were on the field, Washington led his team with 94 receiving yards against the Cleveland Browns. The last time he led Pittsburgh in receiving yards was in Week 3 against Cincinnati.
Among the teams that have played eight games, only the Detroit Lions have surrendered more yards to tight ends this season. Only the Denver Broncos have allowed more yards to the position. However, they’ve played one more game than the Bengals and Lions.
The only teams that have given up more receptions to tight ends this season than the Bengals and Lions are the Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, who have both played nine games.
Washington gives Steelers another way to exploit Bengals’ defensive weakness
While we all think about his receiving and run-after-catch abilities, he’s also shown his worth as a run blocker, helping turn Jaylen Warren into one of the best and most underrated running backs in the NFL.
When asked about Washington’s impact on their rushing attack, Angelicho noted:
“Darnell, he’s one of the few tight ends that you can leave on a defensive end, and you’re not worried about the matchup. Whether it’s in the run game or protections. So anytime you have a tight end that’s not going to get shortnecked in the hole, where he can expand the hole and really widen that C-gap. It allows you to get combinations and double teams inside. It allows you to run to a three-man surface. That’s comforting where you don’t feel like it’s a mismatch.”
That is a lot of coach-speak to say that Washington is an excellent blocker whom the coaching staff trusts in pass and run blocking.
What should worry the Bengals most is that Angelicho mentioned the C-gap, which is off-tackle. Opposing offenses haven’t had much trouble when running toward the edges of Cincinnati’s defense without the help of blocking tight ends.
Angelicho's mention of Washington giving his rushing attack an advantage on the edge portends bad things for a Bengals defense, which already struggles against that point of attack.
Bengals could’ve broken loop in 2023
The Bengals had the opportunity to select the tight ends of Zac Taylor’s dreams in the 2023 NFL Draft. That would have ended the loop before it even began. Unfortunately, the team doesn’t have a Time Stone, time machine, or DeLorean to go back and undo what has already been done.
An athletic tight end who could catch the ball and block edge rushers one-on-one seemed like it should have been a match made in heaven. Alas, the Bengals took defensive end Myles Murphy in the first round, one of nine first-round players from the 2023 draft to have their fifth-year option declined.
Surprisingly, Washington lasted until the third round of that draft, selecting him just two slots ahead of the Bengals, who subsequently took safety Jordan Battle.
Perhaps taking Washington in the first round, as we suggested, would have been too early for draft prognosticators, but many of them had Murphy and Shemar Stewart as first-round options, so frankly, we don’t care what they think.
All that matters now is the Bengals finding a way to slow the Steelers' offense. Limiting Washington’s impact would be a great place to start.
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