Steelers' Kenny Pickett Praises George Pickens; Hopes To Provide Him With Greater Opportunities

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has faced numerous criticisms throughout the year as it appears to lack a clear sense of identity, rhythm, and overall strategy. To address these concerns, one potential solution that has been voiced by many fans is to prioritize getting the ball into the hands of wide receiver, George Pickens. Quarterback Kenny Pickett seems to share this viewpoint and agrees that involving Pickens more extensively could benefit the team.

While a lot doesn't work with the Steelers offense, no one can deny that the Pickett-to-Pickens connection in football is unstoppable. In their recent win over the Los Angeles Rams, Pickens achieved his third game of the season with over 100 receiving yards. Furthermore, with the return of Diontae Johnson to the team's lineup, opposing defenses can no longer solely focus their efforts on shutting down Pickens, as they now have to account for the threat posed by Johnson as well.

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers made a strategic move by selecting Pickett and Pickens as their top picks. Nonetheless, the defensive strategies employed by rival teams have proven to be quite challenging for these young players. As a result, the Steelers offense has struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages of each game, often starting off on a cold note. However, as the game progresses into the second half, Pickett and his teammates are continuing to find their groove and increase their intensity each game.

During his recent appearance on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio, Pickett shared an insightful perspective on Pickens.

"I always want to give him opportunities," Pickett said. "I've been preaching that since I got here. He's a guy that if he's one-on-one, he's gotta get the football. He’s too good of a player not to give those opportunities to."

With just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of their Week 5 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh was looking at a 10-8 disadvantage against an offense that was poised to extend their lead. Having his first career interception, Joey Porter Jr. allowed Pittsburgh to regain possession of the ball. Pickett entered the game and found Pickens in the perfect circumstances to assist the team in his game-winning touchdown.

Pickens ended this game with a total of 130 yards through six successful receptions and an additional 16 yards from one carry. This outstanding display not only showcased his exceptional skills, but also marked a significant milestone in his career as he achieved a new personal record for receiving yards in a single game. As Pickens continues to develop and solidify his position as one of the elite receivers, he will remain an invaluable asset to the team throughout this season and as he furthers along in his career.

Steelers Continue To Start Slow, But End Fast

Besides all this, it has been quite some time since the Steelers managed to score a touchdown in the first half, with their last successful attempt dating back to their game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. Despite this setback, Pittsburgh has managed to win two out of their three recent games. However, even in these victories, it remains uncommon for the team to accumulate points during the first half. In fact, they have only scored a total of six points in the opening halves of their two consecutive triumphs.

What strategies do you think the Steelers can implement in order to improve their offense, specifically by maximizing the utilization of Pickens? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

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