James Washington posted his first NFL 100-yard receiving game when he took four catches on four targets for 111 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers' 20-13 win over the Browns at Heinz Field on Sunday.
Missing JuJu Smith-Schuster, the receiving corps was short its best player in a big game and needed someone to step up. Washington was up to the task.
Washington's best skill traits have always included his combat catch ability and strong hands. He won't create the most separation or have burner speed to toast defenders, but he will work to create decent enough passing windows. He's also become proficient at sideline catches.
After a rough rookie season with Ben Roethlisberger, Washington has had to show his improved skills in more limited opportunities while working with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges. But that hasn't kept Washington from becoming the team's leading receiver after 12 games. His 578 receiving yards lead the team, while he's tied for the team lead with three touchdowns (Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and Vance McDonald).
But he's far ahead of the team in receiving plays of 20-yards or more, with eleven such plays. That's tied with other big name players like Michael Thomas, Travis Kelce and Julian Edelman.
That element of Washington's game is what broke open the Steelers' offense against the Browns when Hodges hit him with a 31-yard pass down the sideline. Washington works against rookie Greedy Williams with a quick jab step at the start of the route to clear his path up the sideline.
Once he cleared out the small window, he made sure to finish the play with a solid catch and toe tap:
Ball skills and body control are some of the traits that have to come naturally to a receiver, and Washington has always flashed them. But as he continues to grow we're seeing him show them more consistently, even in the tightest of situations.
His 30-yard touchdown reception between two defenders was a perfect example of how those skills can save a play. Washington had to adjust back on the ball after beating his man to the corner and Hodges short-armed the pass. But in doing so he drew a pass interference call and was first to the football. He even held on as Sheldrick Redwine hit him and tried to rip the ball out:
The Steelers will need Washington to become a player that can challenge big name cornerbacks and win. There are several across the league and multiple within the AFC North. Denzel Ward may have the highest ceiling among them, and Washington beat him on Sunday too.
What was interesting about this route wasn't just his release to get off the ball, it was how he engaged Ward down the field. Ward is a physical cornerback that likes to bully receivers and knock them off their routes. But when the hand fighting starts, Washington knocks down Ward's hands to stay on his route.
He even makes the catch one-handed when Ward pulls his left hand down while the ball is in the air:
In an offense that hasn't found any efficiency through twelve games, having a big play factor can do just enough to change the course of any of their last few games in their playoff push. If Washington shows more moments of being a big play threat, it only reinforces the notion that the the offense could be in a very good place when Roethlisberger returns next season.
MORE CLASSROOM
Dec. 2: Relentless pressure cooks Baker
Nov. 30: Keep it simple for Hodges
Nov. 28: Heyward wins anywhere
Nov. 26: Watt, Dupree dominate
