The Pittsburgh Steelers exacted a measure of revenge last Sunday. Just 17 days removed from a nasty brawl and a loss to the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers emerged victorious 20-13. Much of the attention was focused on Devlin Hodges, making his second start for Pittsburgh. Arguably, however, the star of the Steelers offense was James Washington. Time and again, Washington made big plays to help his rookie quarterback. His chemistry with Hodges was undeniable throughout the game. Washington is blooming into an effective receiver down the stretch, right when his team needs him.
James Washington Is Beginning to Bloom for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Stellar Performance on Sunday
James Washington had himself a career day against the Browns. Washington had four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. This marked the third time in four games Washington had topped at least 90 yards. Halfway through the second quarter, the Steelers offense had only mustered nine yards of offense. Hodges wanted a big play and he found Washington up the sideline for 31 yards. It was a tight rope kind of catch as he barely managed to get his second foot inbounds. That was just a precursor for later in the quarter.
The Steelers got the ball back with less than two minutes remaining in the first half. Trailing 10-3, Washington made his second catch of the day with a six-yard reception to open the drive. Four plays later, Washington made his second fantastic play of the day. While being pulled down by one defender, Washington absorbed a hit from another and managed to hang on for a 30-yard touchdown grab. It was his third touchdown in the last four games. In the third quarter, Washington made another big play with a 44-yard reception. Pittsburgh would score a touchdown four plays later, taking a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Strong Second Season
During his rookie season, Washington was the third choice wide receiver and didn’t garner much attention. Washington played in 14 games last season, but Ben Roethlisberger favored Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. He had four or more targets in just five games last season. With Brown’s departure in the offseason, everything was set for Washington to have a larger role.
This season didn’t start as well for Washington as he might have hoped. Washington wasn’t making his catches and rookie Diontae Johnson was upstaging him. The loss of Roethlisberger wasn’t seen as much of a detriment to Washington since the backup was his college quarterback Mason Rudolph. It wasn’t until Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts that things turned around for Washington. Since Week 9, Washington has been targeted 27 times. He has 20 receptions for 417 yards and three touchdowns. In the previous six games, Washington had 27 targets with only 10 catches. He had just 161 yards and no touchdowns. Injuries to Smith-Schuster has led to more attention for Washington, and he has stepped up in a big way.
Expectations for James Washington
The Steelers enter the final quarter of the season very much in the playoff hunt. For them to hang onto the final wildcard spot, Washington has to continue this recent level of play. When JuJu returns from injury, Washington needs to continue making himself a headache for defenses. For him to continue that level, chemistry with the quarterback is important. Washington has developed a great relationship with Hodges, which will only help the young quarterback’s confidence too. A strong finish to the season will set Washington up for an even larger role in 2020 as a bona fide number two receiver.
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