The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the 2024 regular season, but before the real games begin, the team has to head to training camp back at Saint Vincent College in order to fine tune their skills. As we here at SCN prepare you for the start of camp, we give you a series called “30 Scenarios in 30 Days” which gives you a Steelers scenario every day leading up to the start of camp.

It is simple how it works. We provide you the scenario, reasons why it will or won’t happen, and then our prediction for what we think will take place.

Let’s get to the scenario…

Scenario: Pat Freiermuth will set career marks for yards and TDs

Why it will happen: Everyone knows that Arthur Smith is a coordinator who likes to utilize the tight end position, but is it feasible for Freiermuth to top his best numbers in both yards and touchdowns? Let’s take a look at what those numbers are:

Yards: 732 (2022)

TDs: 7 (2021)

Some might look at these and think there is no way he tops those numbers, but the main reason why I think it will happen has more to do with what the Steelers haven’t done so far this offseason. And that would be adding a pure WR2 to the roster. With George Pickens being a known commodity, not many other receivers on the Steelers roster would strike fear into opposing defensive coordinators.

That’s where Freiermuth comes in. Without that additional receiver on the roster, it will be Freiermuth who will get the majority of those targets. Of the two stats which might be the most challenging, I’d say it would be topping the seven touchdowns, but both could be reached if Freiermuth is used properly in a capable NFL offense.

Why it won’t happen: Getting acclimated to a new offense is never easy, and getting acclimated to a new offense with new quarterbacks makes it even more challenging. While on paper we can say Arthur Smith loves using his tight ends, we won’t truly know until they put the finished product on the field in a regular season game. There was once a time when similar stories were being told about Matt Canada’s offense before it was finally put on the field.

Those factors certainly can impact Freiermuth’s production, but also the fact he has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Early in his career it was concussions, and he missed time last year with a hamstring injury. If Freiermuth can’t stay healthy, this is a moot talking point based on the fact he’ll never reach these heights without being available.

Your best ability is availability, and that’s something which hasn’t been trending in a positive direction for Freiermuth throughout his career.

Prediction: In my opinion, I think Freiermuth tops his total yards, but I don’t see him topping the touchdown mark he set when Ben Roethlisberger was his quarterback. I hope he is more than capable of getting the job done in both departments, but that is my prediction right now.

Miss a scenario? Check out yesterday’s scenario below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for training camp.

30 Scenarios In 30 Days: The Steelers Will Have A Winning Record At Home In 2024