There are so many choices to begin this piece on a positive note that I might as well start with the very first play. It was a great play-action call by Arthur Smith to get Darnell Washington wide open for a 36-yard gain. Aaron Rodgers is a master at selling run fakes. The timing of the fake as Washington moved through the line of scrimmage was critical in leaving Washington uncovered.
I was happy to see Washington more involved in the passing game. He has clearly become the number one tight end of the team. I was also pleased to hear the broadcast crew discuss their conversation with Mike Tomlin about the potential for Washington to transition to tackle later in his career when he slows down a bit. Washington is starting to confirm why I had Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton, and Washington as my three favorite players when the Steelers were starting the second day of the 2023 draft with the 33rd overall pick.
Staying on offense, where Jaylen Warren showed he can be a stud as RB1 on Sunday. Warren stayed North/South as well as I've ever seen him perform, using his unique shiftiness at the correct times. Warren running people over certainly energized me. I have no doubt it ignites his sideline. Most of the time, I'd like to see Warren get more than 11 carries. But with the short week and the game under control, the coaching staff did a great job with the running back rotations.