The Pittsburgh Steelers had a new, revamped offense in 2022. Long-time quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger retired after 18 seasons with the Steelers. While journeyman Mitch Trubisky started the season off under center, rookie Kenny Pickett took over after halftime during the Week 4 game against the New York Jets. Everyone from fans to analysts are eager to see what Pickett can do during 2023.
Credit: D. Jay Talbott/Icon SMI
Steelers WR Hines Ward, QB Ben Roethlisberger, and LB James Harrison
Pickett was a massive factor in the Steelers staging a post-bye week turnaround in 2022. While he started a bit shaky, throwing multiple interceptions, after the bye, all that changed. Now that the coaches know for sure that Pickett will be the one leading the team this season, they have been able to spend the offseason working on creating an offense tailored for him, including the wide receiving corp.
Several receivers will be returning including George Pickens and Diontae Johnson. While Calvin Austin III, who was injured before the season last year and never got to play, should finally get a chance as well. The Steelers didn't stop there, they have also added veteran receiver, Allen Robinson.
Robinson was initially selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Now he is entering his 10th season in the NFL, having also played for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams, and brings some veteran experience to a young offense.
While there are those who dismiss Robinson based on stats alone, they are not looking at the big picture of his career. Robinson, who made the Pro Bowl while in Jacksonville, has been dealt some unfortunate hands since making it to the pros. He has contended with injured quarterbacks, being misused, and having his position changed.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens
Despite all of that, Robinson doesn't let it get him down. He feels he has a lot more football left to play. He is excited to be joining the Steelers where he feels he is being given an opportunity to shine. Robinson is not the only player who is glad to see him in black and gold.
Steelers' Kenny Pickett Is Excited About What Allen Robinson Brings To The Table
Recently Pickett appeared on his teammate Cam Heyward's podcast, Not Just Football With Cam Heyward. Heyward is a defensive tackle who is entering his 13th season in Pittsburgh. One of the questions that was asked was how Pickett feels about Robinson being a member of the team.
"I love Allen. Allen shows up to work, he's a veteran guy. I love the leadership presence he has in the receiver room. I think he's going to help us out a ton this year in the slot and working over the middle."
While everyone's role won't be totally defined until closer to the start of the season, it seems likely that Robinson will find himself working the inside of the field. That is an area that the Steelers struggled to get going during 2022. They had Pickens and Johnson working primarily on the outside.
Pickett, who showed quite a bit of leadership skills himself even for a rookie last season, says he is thrilled to have Robinson. He has had some chances to work out with him this offseason and notes he really likes what he sees.
"I think he was a huge gift for us and I'm glad he's on our team."
The hope from Steeler Nation is that this new offense is able to gel and get some points on the board this season. It would be ideal to not have such a slow start, identifying issues and correcting them faster than we have in the past. But with so many new weapons joining some amazing talent, it seems we have all the components.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers veteran wide receiver, Allen Robinson running through drills during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
What do you think about Robinson? We're you glad the Steelers signed him? How do you feel after seeing videos of him working with Pickett this offseason? How do you think the Steelers will utilize him? Click to comment below.
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