Steelers George Pickens Needs To Find Consistency After Best Game Ever Detailed NFL Great Randy Moss

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense emerged from the firing of Matt Canada with a big statement win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, posting 421 yards in the 16-10 win. After a string of three disappointing losses, the Bengals were in town and the Steelers needed to make another declaration that the team hadn't quit on the season. Third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph was chosen to lead the way and connected with George Pickens for a very early 86-yard score to set the tone for the evening. 

Pickens needed a game to silence his doubters after a controversy-filled week. He failed to block for Jaylen Warren on a play where the running back probably had a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts if he received a block from his wide receiver. There were questions about whether other players in the locker room liked him as a teammate. 

Respected NFL voices like NBC Sports' Peter King called for him to be made inactive for the pivotal showdown with the Bengals. Head Coach Mike Tomlin had a press conference earlier in the week that was almost all about Pickens antics and what the head coach was doing to try and curb them.

Tomlin and interim Offensive Coordinator Eddie Faulkner stuck by the frustrating, young, talented receiver and their faith in him paid off. Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss was on ESPN's Sunday Countdown on Christmas Eve and, while reviewing the Steelers blow out of the Bengals, he had some immense praise for the receiver with a caveat. 

"Pickens, what I need to see wide receiver to wide receiver is a little bit more consistency," he said. "We know what kind of athletic ability you bring to the table. I liked what I saw last night, Now does it continue? I can't wait to see next week and what George Pickens brings us."      

After his career day with four receptions for 195 yards and a pair of touchdowns, Pickens gave effusive praise to Rudolph for unleashing the deep ball, which has been a missing part of the Steelers offense. It was breath of fresh air for the fan base for him to appreciate the efforts of his teammates as Pickens has previously focused on himself in media sessions.

Steelers Need This Version Of Pickens For Rest Of 2023 And Beyond

Pickens had maturity questions around him in the leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft that led some teams to take him off their boards entirely. There was little question about his talents or abilities, but he needed to land in a place that would help him grow up. Pittsburgh has been through some tribulations with the 22-year-old, but it looks like he's emerging into the player Pittsburgh envisioned he could be when they selected him in the second round. 

Pickens has had an up-and-down season in 2023, but is still leading the team in receptions and yards. He had a stretch of games when he was Pittsburgh's undisputed number one receiver with Diontae Johnson on the shelf and delivered some big performances. In the Steelers Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns, he posted a statline of four receptions for a total of 127 yards which included a 71-yard touchdown from Kenny Pickett. He scored a clutch long touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens to help the team pull away with a victory in Week 5. 

His usage fell off a bit in the following weeks as the team got Johnson and tight end Pat Freiermuth back from injuries. He had just one reception for negative two yards in a win over the Tennessee Titans. He was targeted six times on Saturday evening against the Bengals and certainly made the most of it. 

Losing isn't ideal. There's no doubt about that,and for a talented guy coming from Georgia where all they did was win in his career, it can be frustrating when things aren't going your way. Pickens is a young guy still finding his way in the league, but Saturday night was a showcase of what he can do with his talents when he is on. And Pittsburgh needs him to be on every week from now on. 

Do you agree with Moss that Pickens needs to be more consistent? How do you think he can get there? Comment below!      

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