Michael Pittman Jr. was one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ big acquisitions this offseason. They traded for him to finally fix their WR2 problem, pairing him with DK Metcalf. He figures to be a big part of the Steelers’ offense, and for some fans who aren’t as familiar with Pittman’s game, he explained what his biggest strengths are.
“I think that every guy has a certain trait that makes him him,” Pittman said Friday via the team’s website. “I can run, but my superpower is my physicality, my catch in traffic. Just being who I am is my best trait.”
Pittman isn’t the NFL’s flashiest receiver. He was productive in his six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, posting two 1,000-yard seasons and having at least 80 catches four times. Also, unlike many other top receivers, Pittman doesn’t have a big and boisterous personality.
There hasn’t been a ton of buzz about Pittman in training camp so far. That might worry some Steelers fans, but those practices might not be the best setting for Pittman to show off what he can do.
Mike McCarthy is emphasizing player safety in training camp and has done away with live tackling in Latrobe. That limits Pittman’s ability to show off what he believes is his greatest strength. It’s hard to display physicality when players aren’t hitting like they would in a real game.
They key for Pittman is building chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP expects a lot out of his teammates, and getting on the same page with him is vital. Other Steelers receivers, like Metcalf, feel more comfortable because they’ve already spent a year with Rodgers. With Pittman still relatively new to Pittsburgh he has some catching up to do.
Pittman might shine once the live bullets start flying. He’s not afraid to do the dirty work, and that could help him quickly form a connection with Rodgers. He could even become the quarterback’s new safety blanket with Kenneth Gainwell gone.
Don’t worry about the lack of hype around Pittman. He’s shown that he can be a consistent NFL player, and he’s a good complement to Metcalf. Pittsburgh has always appreciated tough players, and Pittman embraces that trait in a way that many receivers don’t.
