Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth moves on from failed catch at end of last game

In the immediate aftermath of having his hands on the ball on the final play of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ most recent loss, tight end Pat Freiermuth was said to be “taking it hard.”

For a rookie who has made a name for himself because of his reliable hands and “combat-catch” abilities, even if the catch in the end zone Dec. 9 in Minnesota would have been difficult, Freiermuth insists it is one he should have made.

“It definitely (stinks) not being able to come away with that catch,” Freiermuth said Friday in his first media availability since the 36-28 loss to the Vikings, “but credit to the Vikings for making a good play and (safety) Harrison Smith (for a hit that jarred the ball loose).

“But at the end of the day, that’s a catch I’ve made a couple of times in camp and my past, so I think at the end of the day I should have made that play. It was a good situation I was in, and I have to continue to hope to be in that situation and make that play.”

You simply will not see many throws better than this. Give Harrison Smith credit. That’s a competitor, and I’m not blaming Freiermuth for failing to secure it. Incredible throw and a damn fine defensive play. https://t.co/WmZWCTUWAf pic.twitter.com/lvpn2HFal5

— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) December 10, 2021

The non-play — while hardly a classic “drop” — was a rare stain on the rookie season for the Steelers’ second-round pick. He has seven touchdowns, which is as many as all other NFL rookie tight ends combined and tied for the most by a rookie tight end in Steelers history.

Among all NFL tight ends, Freiermuth is tied for second in touchdowns and ranks 11th in catches (45). Freiermuth acknowledged the “game is slowing down” for him late in his first pro season, and the growth of his relationship with veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also has helped progress his career.

“The thing about Pat is he’s showed amazing maturity and professionalism,” Roethlisberger said earlier this week. “He has moved on (from the final play in Minnesota). I think it’ll probably always sit in the back of his head and his mind and his heart of, ‘Ah, what if? I wish I would’ve,’ because that’s what you would expect from a professional. You’d expect a guy who wants to make every play, and he wants to do that.

“But on the other side of that coin is you have to move on. And I saw him. I’ve talked with him, and he’s focused on this week and what he can do, and I think that speaks volumes for him — someone who takes it hard but is able to move on knowing that if and when the next opportunity presents itself, he’s going to make the play. I have zero worries or thoughts about not going back to him anytime.”

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.