In his first two games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Adam Thielen may have only recorded two receptions, but his influence extends far beyond mere statistics. The recent victory over Miami highlighted Thielen’s significant contributions as a run blocker, demonstrating his value to the team’s offensive strategy.
Several game clips reveal Thielen’s effectiveness during the match. A standout moment occurred during a crucial 38-yard run by Kenneth Gainwell, where Thielen executed a key block on the cornerback after reading the play well. As Gainwell took the carry, Thielen managed to box out the cornerback effectively, allowing Gainwell to navigate through defenders and accelerate down the sideline. This play showcased not only Thielen’s intelligence on the field but also caught the attention of Aaron Rodgers, who acknowledged Thielen’s effort with a pat on the back.
Thielen’s role as a blocker was apparent throughout the game as he consistently handled run-blitzing safeties. On one notable play, he confronted Minkah Fitzpatrick, effectively pushing him out of his gap to create opportunities for running back Jaylen Warren. While the running attack struggled initially, Thielen’s actions forced defenders into unfavorable positions, supporting the running game by reducing tackle attempts on the corners.
Another instance saw Thielen executing an insert block against Fitzpatrick. Instead of attempting to confront him head-on—a challenging encounter—Thielen wisely sealed him down the line, allowing the runner to exploit space. Even if the gain was minimal, this strategic block turned potential losses into positive yardage, illustrating the importance of his blocking ability.
Moreover, during Jonnu Smith’s touchdown, Thielen was instrumental in clearing the path. By engaging the cornerback effectively and working in tandem with other linemen, he helped create a clear route for Smith to reach the end zone, resulting in a 14-yard score.
While Thielen’s contributions were not reflected in conventional statistics, his impactful blocking played a vital role in the Steelers’ overall offensive performance as they strive for improvement. This evidence reaffirms the idea that a player’s true value can often be found in the efforts that go unnoticed in the box score. As Pittsburgh approaches critical games, Thielen’s ability to contribute to the team’s success will undoubtedly be an asset as they look for continued progress on the field.