PITTSBURGH —A newcomer led the Pittsburgh Steelers in receptions this regular season. But not the one everybody expected.
Tailback Kenneth Gainwell caught 14 more passes than receiver DK Metcalf did, serving as a surprise feature in an attack led by four-time Associated Press NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers .
"I think we identified it early on," Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said on Thursday of Gainwell's pass-catching ability. "We've got a lot of catch-and-run guys, and the backs are a big part of it. … When you're adding personnel and, even sometimes, the way people play you, things like trends, a lot of shell defenses have been played, trying to take away deep things. As that can take flat routes and make them into explosives or catch-and-runs, it certainly helps you.
"With Kenny, as that role evolved — again, I've added a lot of different kinda players — that's your job, is to try to mesh it together and highlight guys and enhance it, and Kenny's done a phenomenal job."
Pittsburgh Steelers tailback Kenneth Gainwell practices on Friday at Acrisure Stadium. Ed Thompson/Steelers Now
Gainwell was voted as the Steelers' MVP before their Week 18 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens . He totaled 73 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns on the season, along with 537 yards and five scores on the ground.
After that award was announced, Steelers receiver Calvin Austin III, who was also a teammate of Gainwell's in college at Memphis, heaped praise on him.
"He's just provided nothing but spark and consistency," Austin said. "What he can do on a football field isn't a secret anymore. Not that it has been, but I feel like I've always been saying from the beginning that he's one of the best football players I've ever played with. It's just cool that the world can see."
Gainwell is set to be a free agent this offseason, but his backfield mate, Jaylen Warren , hopes the tandem can run it back next year.
"We wanna do anything we can to make sure he stays here," Warren said.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : How Arthur Smith Changed His Plan to Feature Kenneth Gainwell
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