What's Happening?
AJ Barner, a second-year tight end for the Seattle Seahawks, played a significant role in the team's 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Barner caught two of three targets, accumulating 26 yards and scoring a touchdown. His touchdown came on a seven-yard reception during the Seahawks' first drive of the second half. Despite his limited pass-catching history from his college days at Michigan, Barner has been heavily utilized in the Seahawks' offensive lineup, logging an 89 percent snap share in Week 2. This is in contrast to rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo, who had a 39 percent snap share. Barner's involvement is largely attributed to his run-blocking skills, which have kept him on the field for a significant portion of the game.
Why It's Important?
Barner's performance highlights the Seahawks' strategic use of tight ends, particularly in balancing offensive plays between passing and run-blocking. His ability to contribute both in receiving and blocking roles makes him a versatile asset for the team. This versatility is crucial for the Seahawks as they aim to maintain a balanced offensive strategy. Barner's increased snap count suggests a growing trust from the coaching staff, which could lead to more opportunities in future games. For fantasy football enthusiasts, Barner's touchdown and high snap count may indicate potential value as a sleeper pick, especially in leagues that reward tight end performance.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Barner's role in the Seahawks' offense may continue to expand if he maintains his current level of performance. The coaching staff might explore more pass-catching opportunities for him, given his demonstrated ability to score. Additionally, his run-blocking prowess will likely keep him as a staple in the lineup, providing him with more chances to impact games. Fantasy football managers may want to monitor his usage in upcoming weeks to assess his potential as a consistent contributor.
