What a welcome to Pittsburgh it must’ve been for Van Jefferson. He often heard the words, “The Steelers need a top-tier receiver,” as Steelers fans clamored for Brandon Aiyuk. We’re not gonna lie; that’d be really nice, but Jefferson has shown so far this preseason that he’s capable of being the Robin to George Pickens‘ Batman.
Through two games, Jefferson’s been targeted six times for four receptions, two for first downs, and logged 39 yards. He would’ve had 59 if Mike Tomlin had challenged the play called out of bounds on a deep ball pass from Fields for 20 yards.
Steelers fans were only treated to a peep of what Jefferson could do. He’s a silky-smooth, detailed route runner known as a first-down treasure trove (80 in career).
With Roman Wilson’s outlook to start the season bleak, Jefferson will be all the more critical to the success of the Steelers offense.