Overview
- Pat Freiermuth said Tuesday on the Pat McAfee Show that he sees himself as a focal point of the offense after offseason work and training camp signaled a tighter end-first plan from Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy.
- Freiermuth has 19 catches and four touchdowns through five games as the Steelers have intentionally moved him into the progression and leaned on him near the goal line.
- Pittsburgh has deployed more 13-personnel and multi–tight-end looks to force linebackers and safeties into difficult matchups, with Freiermuth running routes and Darnell Washington providing size and blocking.
- Rodgers' intense, often blunt feedback has been visible on the field and in the locker room, with Freiermuth calling the criticism tough but constructive and games showing occasional heated exchanges between Rodgers and McCarthy.
- The shift follows a down year for Freiermuth in 2025 and comes as the receiver group battles injuries, a combination that makes tight-end production and the run game key factors for how far the offense can carry the Steelers this season.