While the Steelers added to their wide receivers with Michael Pittman Jr., they know Germie Bernard and Roman Wilson will be needed. DK Metcalf is at the top of the depth chart, and Pittman is his new running mate. A year ago, they had no solid second option, and the offense suffered.
More than last year, though, the Steelers will need a deep room of wide receivers. That’s why they drafted Germie Bernard in the second round. That’s why they’re continuing to work with Roman Wilson, now going into Year 3. They know they’ll need these guys at some point this year. It’s still very early, but HC Mike McCarthy is already pleased.
“They’re crushing it, frankly”, he said when asked about how the young wide receivers like Bernard and Wilson are adjusting to the specificity of his West Coast offense, via the Steelers’ website. “It’s important to play receiver in this system. We don’t like to be limited if a receiver can just play one spot”.
New Steelers OC Brian Angelicio already praised the young wide receivers. But to hear it from the head coach, that’s even bigger for guys like Bernard and Wilson. Given how his career has developed thus far, it might be even more true for Wilson. Through two seasons, he has had relatively minimal contributions. He had one period of productivity last year, but then the Steelers swapped him out in favor of veterans.
As for Germie Bernard, who could be one of the Steelers’ top wide receivers this year, he is already catching the attention of teammates like DK Metcalf. The veteran receiver said the rookie is giving them everything they could ask for, which is a good starting point.
Aaron Rodgers has also been challenging Bernard, the rookie said, which he accepts. He also understands, or needs to understand, why this is all important in a Mike McCarthy offense. That’s something he talked about at length, regarding position flexibility to play every spot.
“Our quarterbacks train conceptually. We don’t want to be in a lot of schemes where you throw the ball to that guy”, McCarthy said. “We understand where the matchups are, but to train the quarterback with his footwork and decision making and have that function at the highest level, it’s best when your receivers can play all three positions.
“I think our receiver group’s going a really nice job with that”.
Odds are, Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard will be competing against one another to be one of the Steelers’ top wide receivers. Metcalf and Pittman are their every-down guys, but they’ll need others. Occasionally, perhaps, at the same time.
At the very least, McCarthy expects them to know where to be and what to do once there. The West Coast offense is predicated on rhythmic passing. Conceptually, the quarterback should be able to throw blindfolded, knowing where the ball is supposed to go if the play is run correctly. That wasn’t a strong point for Roman Wilson, but McCarthy seems to think the Steelers’ young receivers are handling that part well.