James Washington takes a spin as Steelers' go-to receiver in win over Browns

Coach Mike Tomlin likes to say the strength of the pack is in the pack, and that continues to hold true for the Pittsburgh Steelers pass catchers.

In crafting a 5-0 record, the Steelers have had five wide receivers or tight ends make significant contributions to each victory.

The latest occurred Sunday when James Washington caught four of a game-high seven targets for 68 yards that included a 28-yard touchdown.

It followed in the footsteps of JuJu Smith-Schuster (6-69-2TD against the Giants), Diontae Johnson (8-92-TD vs. Broncos), tight end Eric Ebron (5-52-TD vs. Texans) and rookie Chase Claypool (7-110-3TD, plus another rushing against the Eagles).

“I feel like we have so many weapons that you never know who is going to have a day,” Washington said Monday. “With as many mouths as we have to feed on offense, you can’t just key on one guy or two guys. I feel like everyone is capable of having a big game.”

It was evident early in the Steelers’ 38-7 victory against the Cleveland Browns that it Washington’s turn to step to the front of the line. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger targeted him three times on the opening series, and the duo hooked up for a 27-yard completion along the sideline on a third-and-5.

Washington said the Steelers receivers check their egos when the game plan is designed.

“I don’t really see any individuals on this team,” he said. “I feel like we’re all working toward one goal. I just feel that no matter who gets into the end zone, we’re all going to be happy for the other as long as we leave with a ‘W’ ”

That includes Smith-Schuster, who caught just two of four targets for 6 yards and hasn’t exceeded 50 receiving yards in a game since the opener against the Giants.

Although he leads the Steelers with 23 receptions, Smith-Schuster is averaging just 8.4 yards per catch, the lowest figure among the wideouts.

Washington said Smith-Schuster’s presence in the slot frees up the other receivers to make plays on the outside.

“Just because of the resume he’s built over the years, I feel like he’ll never go into the game unnoticed,” Washington said. “I feel like people will key in on him. When that happens, us other guys have to capitalize on opportunities and make stuff happen for the offense.”

Unsung heroes

The play call that resulted in Washington’s 28-yard touchdown catch was suggested by third string quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, whose pump fake enabled Washington to run past two Browns defensive backs, gave credit to Dobbs in his postgame interview.

Washington wasn’t surprised that Dobbs came up with the idea.

“We kind of worked it a little bit, but I wasn’t sure if it was in the gameplan,” he said. “Mason (Rudolph) and Dobbs on the sideline, those guys are always checking coverage to give us a little extra thought to help us out on the field. It worked out perfectly. Even though those guys don’t actually play on Sunday, their effort really helps.”

Timely pick

Cam Sutton’s third career interception helped the Steelers break open the game against the Browns. His pick of Baker Mayfield at midfield set up the 28-yard touchdown pass to Washington that put the Steelers ahead, 24-0, with 5:43 left in the first half.

“It’s being aware of down and distance, being aware of the situation, being aware of receivers and the body presence around me,” Sutton said.

Sutton played a season-high 46% of the defense snaps. He lined up in the slot in subpackages, played in the box and even took three snaps at free safety, showing the type of versatility that has made him a valued backup in his four seasons with the Steelers.

“It’s well-rounding your game, not being limited to playing one position,” he said. “It’s creating havoc and putting yourself in situations to be around the ball and change the outcome of games. I think that is very important.”

Sutton’s role could expand Sunday against Tennessee with inside linebacker Devin Bush out of the season with a torn ACL.