Pitt needs explosive plays for offense to advance

2nd year offensive coordinator Kade Bell on the changes this season
Kenny Johnson with thumbs up
Photo credit Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – All of the things Pitt has to do to reach their goals this year, nothing may be as telling as the offense finding explosive plays. And let’s be specific, finding explosive plays from a receiver, not Desmond Reid.

Last year Pitt had 29 touchdown passes, which was top 20 in FBS, but only five of them came outside of the red zone. They were working for their scores. This 2025 offense needs splash.

“Explosive plays,” said Pitt offensive coordinator Kade Bell. “I think we got to find a way to create more explosives. The receiving corps, we need to be more explosive. I think with the guys we have coming back, the way we recruited. The guys we brought in, the two transfers we brought in can both fly.”

“Be on point with the quarterbacks,” receiver Kenny Johnson said of the key. “We have to be on point with the quarterbacks because if we are not, we don’t get catch and run passes. We get catch and hit. That’s because of rhythm, things need to be a certain way. That’s what we fixed in the spring and summer.”

“Speed and trust,” Holstein said. “That connection we have not, it’s my second season with Kenny (Johnson). Got a lot of reps with Blue (Hicks) in the spring and summer. It’s having that speed and recruiting the right guys.”

Hicks not only brings the speed, but explains one of the other keys for big plays.

“You got to have a plan,” Hicks said. “First you got to read the coverage. You got to do your job-read the coverage, once you figure out the coverage, you should be good. Just execute when the ball is in the air, just go get it.”

That’s where trust comes back in that when he throws the ball, the receiver will get it or at least make sure the defense doesn’t. Johnson puts that responsibility on the receiver. As the leader of that room he wants to make sure the receivers do their job with the QBs.

“Be on point with the quarterbacks,” Johnson said. “We have to be on point with the quarterbacks because if we are not, we don’t get catch and run passes. We get catch and hit. That’s because of rhythm, things need to be a certain way. That’s what we fixed in the spring and summer.”

Bell believes they have the opportunity to be on point where they are able to catch a ball down the field and stretch a team with timing and recognition along with having the physical ability to catch a short route and go 70 yards. He’s impressed with what he’s seen in training camp, now it’s about doing it in a stadium.

“I’m excited about this group because I think we have more speed,” Bell said. “I think we have a way to scare more people. You give us some space, we got guys that can take it to the house, like Blue did in the Spring Game. He caught a slant and went 60. Those are the guys we are looking for.”

“I think my mentality,” Johnson said. “This year is kill. Go out there and dominate. Obviously, there’s games where the team needs me to do something else and that’s ok. But those games when it is times to dominate, I will be a dominator.”

They’re looking for one and it’s that position where Pitt takes the next step.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images