When discussing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged his team’s perceived shortcomings.
“We have had our issues with tight ends,” Tomlin said Tuesday.
The Steelers have — in the past. But have they turned the corner when it comes to facing tight ends?
Over the past five games, the Steelers have limited opposing tight ends to a combined 23 catches for 241 yards and two touchdowns, an average of less than five catches for less than 50 yards per week.
If you take away a nine-minute span when the Steelers had a late three-touchdown lead at the Los Angeles Chargers (subtracting three Hunter Henry catches for 37 yards and two touchdowns), the numbers look even better.
And it so happens that this five-game span coincides with the acquisition of strong safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Colts tight end duo of Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle have combined for 37 catches for 424 yards and four touchdowns this season.
“Their tight end tandem is spectacular,” Tomlin said. “They have volume catches. They have a unique vertical tight end. They create matchup issues. We will have our work cut out for us there in terms of minimizing those guys.”
Eric Ebron's playing well with Andrew Luck. Touchdown pic.twitter.com/buN9DZ7suK
— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) September 16, 2018
Ebron was the No. 10 overall draft pick five years ago. He had 66 catches and 13 touchdowns last season, the latter figure tied for second in the league regardless of position.
“They’re real good, probably (among) the best tandems across the league,” Fitzpatrick said. “Ebron, he can catch the ball down the field. He’s athletic. And Doyle, the same thing. He’s athletic, bigger body and he can block and support the run game. They work very well hand in hand.”
The game before Fitzpatrick was acquired — Week 2 against the Seahawks — the Steelers allowed two receiving touchdowns to Seattle tight ends.
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