While modern NFL defenses lean heavily into split-safety coverages to extinguish downfield passing threats, new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is countering with a powerful schematic trend of his own. He plans to use heavy 12-personnel packages.
However, unlike McCarthy's 2022 season with the Dallas Cowboys, where heavy two-tight-end usage was a temporary solution that fizzled once Dalton Schultz departed, the Steelers are building a multi-year foundation around Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
According to longtime local reporter Christopher Carter on his “Locked on Steelers” podcast, deploying two tight ends gives Pittsburgh the ultimate dual-threat leverage. In a video clip he shared, he showed how Washington noted the dual-threat benefit
when discussing the offensive advantages of running 12-personnel.
"I think you I feel like it's always good for offense, two tight ends, you know, two guys who could, dominate the edges or be the mismatch in the pass game, we're bigger receivers,” explained Washington. “So, you know, mismatches and I feel like depending on the success of the tight ends, you could do a lot. So, I feel like it's good to have two tight ends out there on the field and you don't know if run or pass."
By putting defenses in conflict, the 12-personnel look creates immediate light box running lanes while simultaneously punishing linebackers in pass coverage.
Crucially, both Freiermuth and Washington are locked under contract, providing long-term structural security. While this tight-end framework serves as a lethal offensive weapon for Aaron Rodgers today, it also establishes a seamless transition plan for Pittsburgh's next young franchise quarterback.
By creating a stable, physical, two-tight-end environment, the Steelers have built a versatile structure designed to dictate terms to opposing defenses for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: How Darnell Washington and 12 personnel unlock Steelers offense
