USA TODAY Sports
Steelers recipient Chase Claypool has earned the respect of his organization, winning the rookie of the year award. He says he has also gained similar recognition in opposing defenses.
“I think it’s good for the teams to respect you and put security over the top,” Claypool said on Wednesday through Will Graves of Associated Press.
Despite having defenses distorting coverage in its path, Claypool’s debut season has failed in recent games. Since becoming the first rookie receiver in the Super Bowl era to score 10 touchdowns in his first 10 games, Claypool has none.
Coach Mike Tomlin suggested that he deliberately reduced Claypool’s pressure to help him avoid hitting the proverbial “rookie wall”.
“Coach T has been in this game for much longer than me,” said Claypool. “If I believe [in the rookie wall] or not, I think he knows what he’s doing. I’m feeling fine now. Whatever he did, whether it was necessary or not, I feel good going into the playoffs. “
Claypool’s workload was higher on Sunday than it was some time ago, with 79% of the offensive crackling. He took more than 80% of clicks on any game just once this season. Before Week 16’s victory over the Colts, Claypool was consistently at 65 percent.
If, as he says, defenses are turning the cover towards you, why not put him on the pitch all the time? Claypool does not have to run a “go” route or put his nose in the race lock regularly. Recipients are divided into running plays, routinely experiencing little or no physical stress in plays where the ball is not in their way. If opposing defenses are going to devote extra resources to counting such a powerful chess piece, it seems strange not to have that chess piece on the board as often as possible.
It will be interesting to see if, in the wild card round, Claypool will have a bigger role. If the Steelers want to go as far as possible, they will – and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will throw the ball towards you more often.
Claypool is simply dangerous. He is without a doubt the most dangerous offensive player that the Steelers have. In a single disposal configuration, it is inexcusable not to use it to the maximum extent possible.