Steelers' George Pickens Continues To Impress With Spectacular Catches, Competitiveness with Joey Porter Jr.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens has made a name for himself with his numerous miraculous, acrobatic catches during the season and training camp. Pickens made one of the best catches of the 2022 season, hauling in an incredible one-handed catch against the Cleveland Browns in 2022. Pickens made yet another beautiful catch, this time in training camp, against rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. 

Porter has filled in nicely with the Steelers secondary, but was put up to the tall task of guarding Pickens one-on-one for a drill this week. Pickens seemed to brush off his athletic catch, explaining that he adjusted late and it would've been an easier catch if he had played the ball right. Even with an enormous catch, Pickens was impressed with Porter's coverage, complimenting him throughout.

"I mean that was outstanding coverage," Pickens observed. "That was good technique. It's just like Michael Jordan and A.I. [Allen Iverson], sometimes it's good D, better offense."

Highlight-Reel Catches are Typical for Pickens 

With his amazing catches becoming more and more typical in any setting, Pickens was asked if these kinds of highlight-reel plays were becoming more common for him. Pickens explained that he used to practice with balls one size larger than the league he was in used, so he could always be a step ahead with his catching abilities. 

Pickens continued to practice one step ahead of his current range until he hit the top, finally landing as a wide receiver in the NFL. He's no stranger to the spotlight and continuously seeks it, so creating these incredible catches are just another way to turn heads and make himself better. 

Steelers' Pickens Excited About Future Development 

Pickens has had nothing but good words to say about newcomer CB Joey Porter Jr., explaining how impressive his coverage techniques are. Pickens recognizes that Porter has a competitive nature to him, most likely cultivated by his dad and Steelers legend, Joey Porter Sr. Pickens says he looks forward to developing Porter and making him into a top cornerback in the league, knowing both he and Porter are still young players in the league and can make some noise as they continue to grow.  

Pickens is also wary to notice and explain that Porter is still a rookie, so he's still learning the ropes of playing on an NFL team. He also explained that this is only the beginning of their development together, as once the practices get more intense and the team head into the season, he and Porter will only get more competitive with each other, as well as learning from other players they face in games. Likewise, Porter has also talked very positively about Pickens, even when he is on the reverse side of some of Pickens' best plays.  

In an interview Porter had, he talks about how even though plays are being made against him, he can learn from Pickens and his exceptional catch radius, stating "iron sharpens iron." Porter also talked very professionally about his struggles guarding Pickens, further proving that he's not focused on the short-term struggles, but rather the long-term success. 

Competition is Key

Throughout their drills together, Pickens has clearly been winning the majority of them. Pickens has no worries about Porter taking it too hard or getting in his own head, as Pickens expressed that they both know they're just working hard and competing. 

"We just be competing, just having fun. He's a guy that likes to compete, so I'm pretty sure it's not gonna get to him too bad." 

Both Pickens and Porter are hungry, gritty players who thrive off of competitiveness and challenges. When Porter was playing at Penn State, he had to compete with some of the best corners in college football, with names like Kalen King and Johnny Dixon. Pickens also faced an uphill battle in college, having to compete with the likes of Darnell Washington, who joined him on the Steelers this year. Both players are looking forward to playing against each other and becoming a great WR-CB tandem in the NFL.  

How do you think these guys will perform in the NFL this year? Let us know in the comments down below! 

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