Former Steelers RB Merril Hoge Destroys Pat Freiermuth For Lame Route Running: 'Worst Group Of Route Runners'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a season of challenges in 2023. With recent disappointments in their offensive performance, including a critical loss to the New England Patriots in Week 14, questions have arisen not only about their results, but also their dedication and commitment. In particular, the Steelers' receiving corps has come under scrutiny, with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson taking the brunt of the criticism. However, a new voice has entered the conversation, offering a candid assessment of the team's tight ends and receivers. Former Steelers scout and running back, Merril Hoge, did not sugar coat it when discussing their performance, particularly in route running and blocking.

Steelers Former Scout Merril Hoge Exposes Receiving Corps

During a recent appearance on 102.5 DVE with Randy Baumann, Hoge delivered pointed remarks about the Steelers' offensive struggles and the lackluster route running displayed by the wide receivers and tight ends.

"It might be the worst group of route runners in the NFL, okay? Half the time, they quit on routes. The pick that Trubisky threw, Pat Freiermuth makes a move and just quits."

Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers' versatile tight end, has had a rollercoaster season marked by an injury, standout performances, and unexpected comparisons to two turtles humping. Hoge did not hold back in his assessment of Freiermuth's play.

"It's the only term I can think of, but our tight ends look like two turtles humping when they're blocking. Because you're not blocking anybody."

While rookie Darnell Washington, another tight end on the Steelers' roster, has faced challenges in adapting his blocking skills from college to the NFL, Freiermuth had not previously been criticized in this area as much in 2023. However, Hoge's comments suggest that the young tight end deserves some scrutiny for the team's struggles in blocking Patriots players and failing to establish a productive rushing game.

It is widely acknowledged that Freiermuth is a well-rounded tight end with the ability to both catch passes and contribute in the blocking game. In contrast, Washington, at 6'7" and 264 pounds, is expected to make a more significant impact with his imposing frame. Hoge's comments underscore the need for Washington to step up and fulfill his potential as a blocker, especially when his receiving contributions have been limited, totaling only six catches for 53 yards in the 2023 season.

During his college career at the University of Georgia, Washington's receiving stats painted a modest picture, with just 45 catches for 774 yards and three touchdowns over three years. When the Steelers selected Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, their intent was not to mold him into a Travis Kelce or Rob Gronkowski-type receiver. Instead, they envisioned him becoming an improved version of Drew Sample, who plays for their division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sample is renowned not for his prowess in catching footballs, but for his contributions in the blocking game. While Sample can make receiving plays and score when called upon, his true specialty lies in pass blocking. The Steelers had high hopes that Washington could evolve into one of the most explosive and dominant blocking tight ends in the league. However, his initial season with the Steelers has shown some struggles in fully realizing that potential. He is just 22 years old and should improve as he ages and gets more comfortable with the NFL game. 

In the NFL, not every game will yield massive receiving yards or touchdown performances for tight ends and receivers. However, it’s crucial for these players to find ways to contribute, particularly in the blocking game, to help open up the rushing attack. Tight ends are often relied upon for their blocking skills, and the Steelers' tight ends, particularly Washington, must work to improve their blocking proficiency to avoid further criticism and help the Steelers get in the playoffs.

As the Steelers face a pivotal stretch of the season with Mitch Trubisky leading the way while Kenny Pickett is sidelined due to injury, a strong rushing game becomes essential. The lackluster performance against the Patriots has raised concerns, and Hoge's critique of the tight ends' blocking and the receivers' lazy route running underscores the importance of improvement in this area as the team strives to find their way in the playoffs.