Patriots defense expects challenge from Steelers’ ‘conflict piece’

Posted by Admin September 19, 2026 NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense does not lack star power. Aaron Rodgers is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the best quarterbacks of all time, while his No. 1 wide receiver, DK Metcalf, is a two-time Pro Bowler who has averaged over 1,100 receiving yards in his first seven seasons in the NFL.

Add the likes of running back Jaylen Warren, tight end Pat Freiermuth and other highly-drafted players like OT Troy Fautanu and WR Michael Pittman Jr. and you get a competent group of players. All of them will present a challenge to the New England Patriots defense in their own right in this Sunday’s matchup between the two clubs.

Only one of them, however, was labeled a “conflict piece” by Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr: Darnell Washington.

So, how big of a challenge is the fourth-year tight end?

“A big one,” Kuhr explained. “He’s athletic. Obviously, his size and strength are no joke. He’s great in the run game, like we’ve seen on tape. He did it last year and he did it last week. He gets the ball in his hands, he can make the first one miss if you’re not [playing] great technique taking him down. He is a great piece to have. He is a conflict piece.”

Washington joined the Steelers as a third-round draft choice in 2023, and has since appeared in 53 games for the organization. Listed at 6-foot-7, 264 pounds, he is Rodgers’ tallest weapon and one of his favorites: in their one-plus seasons together, the veteran QB has targeted the fourth-year TE a combined 45 times resulting in 33 catches, 382 yards and a touchdown.

While those numbers do not necessarily catch the eye over what amounts to a 17-game span, Kuhr and the Patriots are well aware of Washington’s ability to be a problem for their defense.

“You have to play him in the run game and he’s not just like a check-down guy,” the second-year play-caller said. “He’ll run vertical, they’ll run any type of route with him. He’s got great hands and he’s a runner after the catch. He’s a piece we’re well aware of [but] as long as we play to our identity and our style, and we play within our scheme, hopefully we’re in a good spot with that.”