In Arthur Smith’s offense, one that loves to spread the wealth around, even wide receivers lower on the depth chart have their chances to make plays. We’ve seen it with occasional big catches from Ben Skowronek. We saw it a couple of weeks ago with Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling making plays after recently being added to the roster. And last Sunday in Detroit, even Scotty Miller came up with a few big catches.
That’s not a surprise to Smith, though. Even though Miller isn’t getting many looks this year, Smith has confidence the receiver will step up when the Steelers need him to.
“I was joking, I’ve been with Scotty for three years. When Scotty’s number is called, he’s going to make a play,” Smith said Wednesday via a team-provided transcript. “His number is called, makes a huge catch, another on the sideline. That’s cool to see.”
Before the win over the Lions, Miller had just one reception on two targets this season. He only had three catches for 19 yards against the Lions, but they came at crucial moments. The Steelers put together a 17-play drive in the second half against Detroit, one made possible because of Miller. His first big catch came on 4th and 2 just across midfield, as Rodgers found Miller to keep the drive alive.
On the very next set of downs, Scotty Miller came up big again. This catch was even more impressive, as Miller tip toes the sideline and converts on 3rd and 4.
These catches aren’t going to jump off the stat sheet. But they were massively important at the time. The Steelers only got a field goal on this drive. But in a game they won by five, those three points were very important. The drive also took nearly 10 minutes off the clock. Miller’s multiple conversions kept the Lions’ offense off the field.
It feels like every couple of weeks we see someone in this offense come out of the blue and make plays. Last week it was Scotty Miller, who made himself a factor despite not seeing the ball all season. Now, the receiver room takes a hit with DK Metcalf out for two weeks. But that gives Miller a chance to become an even bigger factor in the offense.
