“He’s just like those guys, a converted receiver from college,” the Steelers’ defensive coordinator said of Gadsden, referring to other tight ends they have faced this year like Warren and Tucker Kraft. “He has the ability to go outside, go inside. He has a bigger route tree than maybe a lot of tight ends because he has a receiver background.”
Oronde Gadsden is a rookie fifth-round pick, a second-generation NFL player. In seven games this season, he has 32 catches for 453 yards and two touchdowns. Considering that almost reads like the numbers the Steelers are giving up to tight ends on defense this year, that should raise alarm bells.
“He’s been good for them. You see that they can really stretch the field with him,” Austin said of Gadsden. “It’ll provide a challenge. We’ve struggled against some of those guys this year, so we’re looking to be better, but we acknowledge where we came up short against some of the other ones, and we’ll work to make that hopefully where it’s not a difference in us giving up some big plays, some chunks.”
In Week 8, the Steelers had their hands full on Tight End Day, with Tucker Kraft having a career game. It was the continuation of a pattern, however, and really one that goes back years. The Steelers have often struggled on defense when it comes to defending tight ends in the passing game.
And frankly, one game isn’t going to change that. Last week, the Steelers handled Warren, as mentioned, after Patrick Queen promised they would have their tight end problem solved. But solving a problem for one week doesn’t guarantee that the solution persists, as any repairman would tell you. Or perhaps won’t tell you.
Like the Colts, the Chargers also have a strong run game, though they are facing a mountain of injuries. Not only are their top two backs down, so are their starting tackles. Pittsburgh will want to focus on shutting down the run and making Los Angeles one-dimensional, and then it can worry about locking down Oronde Gadsden. But the Steelers can’t overcommit to the tight end at the expense of the other dangerous eligibles the Chargers offer.