The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver room has been the subject of much drama in recent years. This offseason, the Steelers hired new Wide Receivers Coach, Zach Azzanni, who brings over two and a half decades of experience to the team. He also faces the task of developing the young, talented, and sometimes troubled George Pickens.
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Steelers' Zach Azzanni coaching the wide receivers at OTAs.
During the 2023 season, Diontae Johnson and Pickens were involved in significant drama, leading the Steelers to trade Johnson this offseason amid reports that the organization was tired of the issues surrounding him. Throughout the offseason, the Steelers have been linked to various wide receiver rumors, including attempts to acquire a star wide receiver via trade.
As of now, the Steelers have not made any major deals for a wide receiver. However, they have bolstered their roster by adding receivers like Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, and Scotty Miller, as well as drafting Roman Wilson. He also revealed that Calvin Austin III has been impressive in their short time working together. Azzanni faces a challenging task ahead, working with considerable depth but not much reliable production.
In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette during minicamp, Azzanni revealed what makes him a special wide receivers coach.
"I just have always been hands-on right there in the thick of it. I've had a lot of great mentors throughout the years as a coach. I mean, this is year 26 as a receiver coach, so I've kind of been in all areas of the pool. I'm in there and I know what works, I think. So that's why I'm hands-on, and that's the best way. These guys learn visually, they learn physically, so that's why I am the way I am."
Azzanni is a no-nonsense, in-your-face type of coach. He brings an intensity to the field that the Steelers' wide receivers have lacked in recent years. Known for his blunt honesty, he seems to be an ideal mentor for Pickens to learn from.
"It's intense, it's energetic. I mean, I kind of black out when I get out here, honestly. It's the most comfortable I feel in life, this right here. That's coaching, so I've always been that way. I'm just an intense, urgent guy, kind of a perfectionist... Guys learn the best that way, I think. You just gotta be up front and hit them right between the eyes with the good and the bad."
It is no secret that Pickens is one of the most talented young wide receivers in the league. However, his attitude and effort were questioned several times during the 2023 season.
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Steelers' George Pickens talks with Mike Tomlin during a game.
At one point, Steelers fans wanted Pickens benched and traded after he refused to block for a teammate on a play with touchdown potential. Pickens responded with the best game of his career, grabbing four catches for 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Steelers' George Pickens Ended 2023 On A High Note
On a more positive note, when Mason Rudolph took over, Pickens' attitude improved significantly. Even in a game where he was not targeted at all, Pickens was seen celebrating with his teammates and did not complain about his lack of involvement. In 2024, Azzanni's group will face significant challenges. Pickens, now the primary wide receiver, will encounter coverages he has never seen before.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens makes a one-handed catch with Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. defending during the first half of the Steelers-Browns game in 2022.
Azzanni will need his receivers to step up and showcase their speed and other talents to complement Pickens. If the Steelers' wide receivers can overachieve in 2024, the team will be in a very good position.
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